Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to mechanical locking systems, specifically focusing on a tamper-resistant sealing apparatus that is designed to form a robust and secure seal, offering enhanced resistance to tampering and unauthorized access, while being versatile enough for use across a wide range of applications, generally metering appliances like water meters, electric meters etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] General locking or sealing arrangement play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of various systems, specifically in areas where unauthorized access or tampering is to be restricted. These arrangements, which range from traditional mechanical seals to more advanced designs, are essential in industries where safety and protection are of utmost importance. For example, metering appliances such as electric meters and water meters generally involve use of specialized sealing mechanisms that prevent unauthorized adjustments or tampering with the measurement devices. These seals must be robust enough to maintain accuracy and prevent fraud while being easy to inspect and replace when necessary Also, such mechanisms are developed in such context that if any tampering is done with such metering appliances, it can be easily identified.

[0003] The existing locking and sealing mechanisms utilized for electric and water meters are designed to prevent unauthorized access, typically comprising a two-part system: a casing (serving as the female component) and an anchor-type lock. These parts are mechanically interlocked to form a unified assembly, theoretically securing the meter from tampering. The casing, usually manufactured from a robust polymer or metal alloy, encases the sensitive components of the meter, while the anchor lock functions as a securing element, creating a physical barrier against intrusion.

[0004] Despite their utility, these conventional mechanisms possess significant vulnerabilities. Current designs are relatively very basic and can be tampered by skilled individuals without leaving visible evidence of the breach. Tampering methods such as bypassing the lock, using non-destructive tools, or exploiting material weaknesses allow intruders to manipulate the meter readings—leading to unauthorized resource consumption and significant revenue loss for utility companies. This poses a serious challenge in terms of legal enforcement, as without concrete evidence of tampering, it becomes difficult to hold offenders accountable.

[0005] Additionally, the existing sealing mechanism involve a sealing wire that is wired within the seal locks for interlocking the female and male part of the locking members. The positioning of the sealing wire in electric meter seals presents several drawbacks that affect security and durability, if the sealing wire is placed in easily accessible locations, it becomes more susceptible to tampering, as intruders can quickly access and manipulate it. Additionally, improper positioning may result in slack or loose-fitting wires, making it easier for unauthorized individuals to bypass the seal without detection.

[0006] To summarize, the current locking and sealing mechanisms, while providing a basic level of security, are vulnerable to tampering due to their simplistic design and material weaknesses. To mitigate these issues, there is a compelling need for technological advancements in the design of meter locking and sealing systems. There is a vast scope in advancement of the existing design of the meter seals to provide more strength and rigidity to the seals, making it difficult for intruders to break or tamper the meter readings.

[0007] One of the prior art, GB2408021A, discloses about security sealing device protects a meter, such as an electricity supply meter, from being opened for the purpose of tampering with the meter mechanism or fraudulently abstracting the electricity. The security sealing device 10 has a screw 20 to secure together two members. The screw 20 has a rigid elongate element 50 to be fitted into a bore in each of the two members to be secured together and a head 40 having means for effecting rotation of the screw by a tool such as a screwdriver. A second separate part 30 has a recess 92 for receiving screw head 40 and a lateral outer wall 80 having at least two openings 90 facing each other. A sealing wire may be passed through these openings and each of its ends joined by a ferrule. The screw cannot be withdrawn without breaking the wire.

[0008] CN2758777Y discloses an improved sealing ring of an electric meter, and particularly provides an improved sealing ring of an electric meter, an embedding ring and connecting sheets for buckling installation are designed into a whole. One end of a ring body of the embedding ring is mainly and directly extended and provided with the connecting sheets for buckling installation in a combined way to do sealing action with the electric meter pivoted, inserted, buckled and connected with a long slot hole arranged on the other end of the ring body without a connecting sheet for buckling installation which is fixedly welded and arranged in a spot welding way. The phenomenon that illegal electric users or thieves use electricity illegally or steal the electric meter by prying the device fixedly welded in a spot welding way can be prevented; meanwhile, more than one electric meter adjusting long hole is additionally arranged at the circumference wall of the ring body in the opposite side position of an original electric meter adjusting long hole covered at the ring body to be convenient to adjust the electric meter.

[0009] CN102693680A discloses about a seal structure of an electric energy meter, aiming at providing a seal structure which is able to differentiate intentions of a seal destroyer, is good in anti-stealing property, and is convenient to install, wherein the destroyer intention is either to destroy a seal cover for stealing power or to destroy the seal cover carelessly and not for stealing power. The seal structure comprises a sleeve-shaped seal body and the seal cover, wherein the seal cover is arranged below the upper end of the seal body, and forms an invaginated groove which recesses downwards at the upper end of the seal body.

[0010] The existing electric meter seals, highlighted above involve a basic interlocking mechanism which cannot provide a strengthened joint, hence the existing meters either electric or water meters can be tampered with minimal effort. Therefore, the existing technology possess some major drawbacks due to which the current requirements are not met. Hence, it is pertinent to note that the existing technology is not focused to address the issues related to rigidity and strengthening of the electric or water meters seals.

[0011] Thus, having regard to such limitations/drawbacks, there is a critical need for providing a sealing/locking mechanism that form a robust and secure seal, offering enhanced resistance to tampering and unauthorized access to electric meters.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The principal object of the present invention is to provide a tamper resistant sealing apparatus for metering appliances, like electric or water meters.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to increase the strength of the apparatus, with structural changes in the apparatus.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus minimizes the complexity encountered in installation/assembly of the apparatus.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that is designed in a way that if any tampering is done, it can be easily identified.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can be easily fitted over existing electric or water meters without any alteration in the design of the meters.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention pertains to a tamper-resistant sealing apparatus designed for integration with various types of metering devices. This apparatus is engineered to prevent unauthorized access to the metering systems, ensuring the integrity of the devices. The proposed mechanism enhances structural strength and rigidity, thereby significantly increasing resistance to tampering attempts aimed at altering meter readings.

[0019] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the tamper resistant sealing apparatus comprises of a capsule internally structured with one or more tapered sections over the parallel walls of the capsule, the walls layered along the length of the capsule, at least two sets of female protruded members symmetrically integrated over lateral walls layered along the depth/width of the capsule, a twisted anchor lock crafted with a first and second portion, wherein the first portion is obliquely inserted within a guide rail formed through the tapered sections and the second portion is flushed within an opening of the capsule, two sets of symmetric male protruded members fused over the first portion of the anchor lock that interlock with the sets of female protruded members of the capsule, plurality of holes drilled over a cross sectional area of the capsule and anchor lock, a sealing wire in connection with a metering appliance is routed through the holes, to adjoin the anchor lock and capsule together with the metering appliance to prevent any unauthorized access to the appliance.

[0020] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the metering appliance may include one or more electric meters, gas meters, water meters etc, wherein each meter is integrated with a casing that is crafted with one or more holes through which the sealing wire is passed. According to another embodiment, the sealing wire is passed in an offset position with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the sealing wire is preferably 0.9 mm round.

[0021] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, each set of the male and female protruded members include at least two members. In one more embodiment, the numbers may be increased or decreased depending on the manufacturing requirement or the size of the capsule and anchor lock.

[0022] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the method for assembly of the apparatus with a metering appliance, comprises the steps of routing the sealing wire within the holes of metering appliance, anchor lock and capsule, for engaging the metering appliance, anchor lock and capsule together with each other, inserting the anchor lock obliquely within the guide rail, pressing the anchor lock within the guide rail of the capsule in a twisted position, until the base portion of the anchor lock establishes a surface to surface contact with the base portion of the capsule.

[0023] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the surface to surface contact of the base portions, the male protruded members interlock with the female protruded members, entrapping the sealing wire within the capsule and preventing access to the metering appliance.

[0024] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the proposed apparatus;
Figure 2 (a) illustrates an isometric view of the capsule as per the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 (b) illustrates a side sectional view of the capsule;
Figure 2 (c) illustrates a front sectional view of the capsule;
Figures 3 (a), (b), (c), (d) represents an isometric, side, front and bottom view of the twisted anchor lock;
Figures 4 (a), (b) illustrates an isometric and top view, highlighting the assembly of the capsule and anchor lock;
Figures 5 (a) & 5 (b) illustrates multiple stages highlighting the insertion of the anchor lock into capsule; and
Figures 6 illustrates an isometric view of the final assembled apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0027] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0029] In the existing state of the art, different type of sealing mechanisms are generally used for preventing any fraudulent access to one or more metering appliances i.e. electric meters, water meters etc. The sealing mechanism used in the metering appliances are not sturdy enough and hence are tampered with minimal effort using one or more tools. The existing sealing mechanism involve a basic structure, that is designed with minimalistic design considerations and hence there is a wide scope of advancement in terms of structural changes that could lead to potential benefits in terms of strength and rigidity.

[0030] The present invention addresses these issues by proposing a novel technical solution that mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations. This innovation aims to provide a tamper resistant sealing apparatus for locking the metering appliances and preventing any kind of unauthorized access so that any fraudulent activity such as changing the meter readings can be prevented. The apparatus is integrated with a well-supported structure that is rigid in nature, making it difficult to tamper.

[0031] The metering appliances introduced in the present invention, in general includes electric meter, water meter or any other type of meter that is used in measuring the consumption of a particular entity. In another embodiment, the proposed apparatus can also be used in gas meters. The metering appliances are not limited to a particular sector but are used in different industries, households, offices etc. Therefore, the strength and rigidity of meter locking mechanism is a major concern.

[0032] To overcome such concern, the present invention introduces a tamper resistant sealing apparatus that can be installed in any existing metering appliances to prevent tampering of the meter readings. Referring to Fig. 1, an exploded view of the proposed apparatus is highlighted, wherein the apparatus comprises of a hollow capsule 100, an anchor lock 101 and a sealing wire 102 that are integrated together with a metering appliance (not shown in the figure) to prevent access to the appliance.

[0033] Fig. 1 highlights the sealing wire 102 being fused with the capsule 100 and anchor lock 101, wherein one end of the sealing wire 102 is fixed with the anchor lock 101 and the other end is free. The capsule 100 is attached with the sealing wire 102 in between the ends of the sealing wire 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the metering appliance includes a casing in which the appliance is fitted and the casing includes one or more holes (not shown in the figure). The sealing wire 102 is initially inserted within the holes of the appliance casing and then is inserted within one or more holes of the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100. Post insertion of sealing wire 102, the anchor lock 101 is inserted and locked within the capsule 100 which in turn effects the locking of the sealing wire 102, preventing any access to the metering appliance.

[0034] Figure 2 (a) highlights an isometric view of the hollow capsule 100. The capsule 100 is constructed as a single integrated structure with an opening located at its top section. In one embodiment, the capsule 100 takes the form of a cuboidal structure with an open top, while in alternative embodiments, it may be configured in a variety of geometrical shapes and dimensions, such as a cube or paraboloid. The upper section of the capsule 100 includes an integrally formed vertical protrusion 200 that extends in alignment with the capsule's 100 walls. In certain embodiments, this protrusion 200 is designed to extend along three adjacent faces of the capsule 100, with one face 201 deliberately left vacant (will be discussed later). This design ensures structural robustness and adaptability to different application requirements, providing both functional versatility and mechanical integrity. In one embodiment, the capsule 100 is made up of polycarbonate material, however in possible alterations, some other rigid and light weight material can be used.

[0035] Referring further to Figure 2(b) of the present invention, a side sectional view of the proposed apparatus is depicted, illustrating a detailed illustration of the internal structure of the capsule 100. The sectional view reveals two parallel walls 202a & 202b extending along the length of the capsule 100, each designed with a tapered section 203a & 203b to form a tapered guide rail 204. In an embodiment, the tapered section 203b, is designed with spaces for tooling purpose. Specifically, one of the parallel walls 202a exhibits tapering from the top towards the bottom, while the other wall 202b is tapered from the bottom towards the top, resulting in an oblique guide rail 204 configuration. This design facilitates controlled mechanical engagement and alignment within the capsule 100.

[0036] In one embodiment, the tapering angle of the guide rail 204 range in between 0-9 degrees, and is set at a preferred angle of 9 degrees relative to the walls 202a & 202b of the capsule 100. Angle exceeding the provided range would require the capsule 100 to be manufactured with a wider opening/width. In another embodiment, the tapered angle may incorporate a tolerance of ±1 degree to accommodate potential manufacturing variances.

[0037] Additionally, the capsule 100 includes a hole 205a located near the protrusion 200, as shown in Figure 2(a), which is strategically positioned for component interaction or additional assembly purposes. In an embodiment, the hole 205a extends from one side of the capsule towards the other side of the capsule (visible in fig. 6). Further, the capsule 100 includes one more hole 205b crafted over the front cross sectional area of the capsule 100. This structural configuration ensures precision alignment, mechanical stability, and versatility for integration with other system components. The capsule 100 includes a hole on both the faces along the length of the capsule 100 and both the holes are offset with respect to each other.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 2(c), a front sectional view of the capsule 100 is shown, revealing two lateral walls 207a & 207b extending along the width and depth of the capsule 100. In an embodiment, the walls of the capsule may be transparent, color coded, opaque or translucent. Each lateral wall 207a & 207b is engineered with at least one set of female protruding members 206, with each set consisting of at least two female protruding members 206 (as depicted in Figure 2(c)). In one embodiment, the number of female protruding members 206 can be varied, either increased or decreased, depending on the specific application requirements. The number of these members 206 may be determined by factors such as the overall dimensions (e.g., height) of the capsule 100 or the necessary strength and level of interlocking required for the assembly.

[0039] In another embodiment, the female protruding members 206 are arranged sequentially, one after the other, with minimal tolerance or spacing to ensure tight interlocking and optimal structural integrity. Additionally, Figure 2(c) specifically illustrates structural feature crafted along the walls, enhancing the mechanical robustness and facilitating secure component assembly within the apparatus. This configuration provides flexibility in the design while ensuring the necessary structural and functional performance.

[0040] Referring to figure 3 (a), (b), (c) & (d) of the proposed apparatus, an isometric view, side view, front view and bottom view of the anchor lock 101 is illustrated. The figures highlight different cross sectional areas of the anchor lock 101 with each cross sectional area having a unique and conceptual design. The anchor lock 101 is divided into two portions, i.e. first portion 300a and second portion 300b. The first portion 300a is the vertical section of the anchor lock 101 while the second portion 300b is the horizontal section of the anchor lock 101 (refer fig. 3 (a), (c)). The first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 is constructed a base portion having a semi-circular hole 302a. Further, the anchor lock 101 is drilled with one more hole 302b over cross sectional area of the second portion 300b (will be discussed later).

[0041] The first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 is structurally designed with two sets of male protruding members 301, each set symmetrically aligned with each other and constructed of two members 301. In an embodiment, the male protruding members 301 are curved at different radius, wherein according to one of the embodiment, the radius may range in between 8-15 mm. According to the preferred embodiment, the radius of the upper male protruded member 301 is 8.3 mm and the radius of lower male protruded member 301 is 14.3 mm.

[0042] In one embodiment, the width of the male protruding members 301 is similar to the width of the female protruding members 206. In one more embodiment, the male protruding members 301 are parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the number of male protruding members 301 can be varied, either increased or decreased, depending on the specific application requirements. Similar to female protruding members, the number of male protruding members 301 may be determined by factors such as the overall dimensions (e.g., height) of the anchor lock 101 or the necessary strength and level of interlocking required for the assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention. In one more embodiment, the length of the male protruding members may be increased or decreased as per the requirement.

[0043] The first 300a or vertical portion of the anchor lock 101 is twisted at an angle of 9 degrees with respect to vertical (y) axis. The first portion 300a is twisted for providing more resistance to the locking mechanism so that it becomes even more difficult for a person/user to pull out once both parts are locked together. The anchor lock 101 is twisted to provision easy insertion within the capsule 100 (ref figure 3 (b)). In an embodiment, first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 is further crafted with a hole at the center region of the anchor lock 101 (fig. 3 (c)). The design of the anchor lock 101 is structured to provide increased strength and rigidity.

[0044] Referring to figure 4 (a) & (b), illustrates an isometric and top view of the apparatus, highlighting the assembly of the capsule 100 and anchor lock 101 is illustrated. The figure highlights the interlocking of the male 301 and female 206 protruding members along with the surface to surface contact of the base portions of the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100.

[0045] The male protruding members 301 crafted over the first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 are engaged/locked with the female protruding members 206 of the capsule 100. The protruding members 206, 301 are designed with curved projections that interlock with each other. In an embodiment, the male protruding members 301 are elastic in nature that deform elastically up to a particular limit and regains its original position after insertion within the capsule 100, enabling interlocking of the male 301 and female 206 protruding members.

[0046] Referring to figure 4 (a), the second portion 300b of the anchor lock 101 is flushed within the space created through the vertical protrusion 200 of the capsule 100. As the second portion 300b of the anchor lock 101 is flushed within the space created through the vertical protrusion 200, any tampering can be easily identified through this arrangement. Also, it makes it difficult to be accessible from outside.

[0047] The second portion 300b of the anchor lock 101 is partially fused within the space created through the vertical protrusion 200 and partially extends outwards through the vacant face 201. In this embodiment, the height of the vertical protrusion 200 is similar to the height of the first portion 300a of anchor lock 101. In another embodiment, the height of the vertical protrusion 200 may be increased with respect to the first portion 300a to make access of the first portion 300a more difficult.

[0048] Figure 5 (a) & (b) illustrates an isometric and top view of the apparatus, highlighting the stage wise insertion of the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100. The anchor lock 101 is passed through the guide rail 204 in an oblique orientation. More specifically, the first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 is inserted within the capsule 100 in the oblique plane. In an embodiment, the angle between the guide rail 204 of the capsule 100 and anchor lock 101 is preferably 9 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle may have a tolerance of +1 degree.

[0049] The figures highlights the twisting position of the anchor lock 101 while pressing the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100. The figure highlights the orientation of the anchor lock 101 during partial insertion and complete insertion of the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100. The initial diagrams highlighted in figure 5 (b) represents a partial insertion of the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100. The last stage diagrams in figure 5 (b) highlights complete insertion of the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100 in which the base portions of the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100 are in surface to surface contact.

[0050] Referring to figure 6, an isometric view of the final assembled apparatus is illustrated. A sealing wire 102 is inserted within the holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b carved in the capsule 100 and anchor lock 101 for interlocking them together. The holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b carved in the capsule 100 and anchor lock 101 are at offset position with respect to each other. The offset position of the holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b creates an offset routing of the sealing wire 102 within the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100 which makes it more difficult to tamper the apparatus.

[0051] In an embodiment, the present apparatus is used for securing a metering appliance. In one embodiment, the metering appliance includes electric meter, gas meter and water meter. In this exemplary embodiment, the metering appliance is fitted with a casing and the casing is crafted with one or more holes (not shown in the figure). The sealing wire 102 is initially passed through the holes crafted in the casing and then are further routed through the holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b of anchor lock 101 and capsule 100 which in turn is followed by insertion of the anchor lock 101 in the capsule 100, thereby tangling or fastening the wire 102 within the capsule 100 and preventing any kind of tampering with the metering appliance.

[0052] In an embodiment, the sealing wire 102 is of 0.9 mm diameter with +0.1 mm of tolerance. In one more embodiment sealing wire 102 is made of two or more segments twisted together to provide a rigid structure. In one more embodiment, the sealing wire 102 can be made up of a flexible metal coated material to increase strength of the wire 102.

[0053] The sealing wire 102 is inserted routed through the holes of the metering appliance, capsule 100 and anchor lock 101 for fastening them together, preventing any chances of tampering to the metering appliance. The apparatus seals the casing of the metering appliance in such a way that the appliance cannot be accessed without breaking the apparatus, hence the apparatus restricts any person from doing any fraudulent activity like changing meter readings. In case the sealing wire 102 is tampered or removed, it can be easily evaluated through the condition of the apparatus.

[0054] The present invention introduces a tamper resistant locking apparatus that is used for locking metering appliances for preventing any access to the metering appliance, thus mitigating the chances of unauthorized changes in the meter readings. The method for assembling the apparatus with the metering appliance comprises the steps i.e. initially, the sealing wire 102 is routed through the holes of the capsule 100, anchor lock 101 and metering appliance in a strategic manner. The sealing wire 102 is first inserted within the holes of the metering appliance and then through the holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b of the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100.

[0055] Post insertion of the sealing wire 102, the first portion 300a of the anchor lock 101 is inserted within the hollow capsule 100 through the guide rail 204. The guide rail 204 provides an oblique plane through which the anchor lock 101 is inserted within the capsule 100. During insertion of the first portion 300a, the orientation of the anchor lock 101 is in an oblique position, preferably at an angle of 9 degrees. The anchor lock 101 is inserted within the capsule 100 until the base portion of the anchor lock 101 contacts the base portion of the capsule 100. For insertion of the anchor lock 101, the first potion is continuously pressed and twisted within the capsule 100, i.e., to snap fit into the capsule 100.

[0056] On complete insertion of the anchor lock 101 within the capsule 100, the second portion 300b of the anchor lock 101 is flushed within a space created through the vertical protrusion 200 of the capsule 100. The second portion 300b is structured in such a way that a segment of the second portion 300b is flushed within the space while remaining segment of the second portion extends outwards through the vacant face 201 (visible in fig. 6). Also, on complete insertion of the anchor lock 100 within the capsule 100, the male protruding members 301 interlock with the female protruding members 206, creating a rigid seal. The seal prevents the metering appliance from being accessed for any fraudulent activity i.e. tampering of meter readings.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may include a multi-layered structure with each layer of the structure made up of different material, such as combination of plastic, metal or other adhesives. If someone tries to remove or break the seal/lock, one or more layers would provide visible evidence of tampering, making it impossible to restore the seal to its original condition without detection. In another embodiment, the materials might involve use of UV or thermal sensitive materials which would change the color in cases of tampering through exposure of heat or radiations.

[0058] In another alternative embodiment, the sealing wire 102 proposed in the present invention may be integrated with one or more level of lock i.e. lock nuts or other types of structural mechanism that may provide an extra level of security. As per this embodiment, the sealing wire 102 may be looped with a locking mechanism such as key based locks for providing advanced security.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus may be integrated with a telescopic mechanism. For instance, the second portion 300b of the anchor lock 101 may include one or more mechanical buttons in connection with one or more locking pins, wherein on pressing the mechanical buttons, the locking pins may extend and engage with one or more grooves carved within the capsule 100 that may act as an additional layer of security.

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, the male 301 and female 206 protruding members may be integrated with one or more magnets, wherein on interfacing of the male 301 and female 206 protruding members, a firm attachment could be ensured. In one case, both male 301 and female 206 protruding members may be installed with magnets or in another case, the male protruding members 301 may include magnets while the female protruding members 206 may be installed with ferromagnetic materials.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0061] The newly developed design of the tamper resistant sealing apparatus is resistant to tampering, and offers several critical advantages in safeguarding utility services and reducing fraudulent activities. First, its enhanced security features make it significantly more difficult to breach without visible signs of tampering. This ensures that any unauthorized access or attempts to manipulate the meter are immediately evident, providing utility industries/sectors with a reliable mechanism to prevent and detect fraud. By deterring tampering, the seal helps in maintaining the integrity of metering data, which is essential for accurate billing and preventing revenue loss.

[0062] In addition to improved security, the sealing apparatus likely reduces maintenance costs for utility providers. Traditional seals or locks, which can be compromised more easily, often require frequent replacements or inspections. A robust, tamper-proof seal minimizes these operational disruptions, as it demands less frequent checks, reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency.

[0063] The adoption of such apparatus enhances consumer trust by assuring them that their usage is being accurately recorded without interference. This also improves the reputation of the utility provider for delivering fair and transparent services. The long-term benefits include reduced legal disputes over billing discrepancies and the creation of a more secure system for managing critical utilities.

[0064] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.

List of Referral Numerals

100- Capsule
101- Anchor lock
102- Sealing wire
200- Vertical protrusion
201- Vacant face
202a & 202b- Parallel walls along the length of the capsule
203a & 203b – Tapered sections
204- Guide rail
205a & 205b- Holes over cross sectional area of capsule
206- Female protruded members
207a & 207b- Lateral walls
300a- First portion of the anchor lock
300b- Second portion of the anchor lock
301- Male protruded members
302a & 302b- Holes over cross sectional area of anchor lock , Claims:1) A tamper-resistant sealing apparatus, comprising:

i) a hollow capsule 100 internally crafted with one or more tapered sections 203a & 203b over parallel walls 202a & 202b of said capsule 100 to form a tapered guide rail 204, wherein said capsule 100 includes at least one set of female protruded members 206 symmetrically crafted over each lateral wall 207a & 207b of said capsule 100;
ii) a twisted anchor lock 101 structurally designed with a first portion 300a obliquely inserted within said capsule 100 through said tapered guide rail 204 and a second portion 300b flushed within an opening of said capsule 100, wherein said first portion 300a is crafted with at least two set of symmetric male protruded members 301, having a curved projection that interlocks with the female protruded members 206; and
iii) multiple through holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b carved within a cross sectional area of said capsule 100 and anchor lock 101, wherein a sealing wire 102, in connection with a metering appliance, is routed through said holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b, to adjoin the anchor lock 101 and capsule 100 together with the metering appliance and prevent unauthorized access to said appliance.

2) The apparatus as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein said metering appliance is selected from but not limited to electric meters, water meters, gas meters.

3) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sections 203a & 203b are tapered in between the range of 0-9 degrees with reference to the horizontal plane.

4) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion 300b is partially flushed within the opening created through a vertical protrusion 200 of said capsule 100 and partially extend out from a vacant face 201.

5) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set of said male 301 and female 206 protruded members include two protruded members.

6) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said anchor lock 101 is twisted at an angle of 9 degrees.

7) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b are crafted at an offset position which in turn effects insertion of the sealing wire 102 in the offset position.

8) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing wire 102 is preferably 0.9 mm in diameter with +0.1 mm of tolerance.

9) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said male protruded members 301 are curved at a radius ranging in between 8 to 15 mm.

10) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein walls 202a, 202b, 207a, 207b of said capsule 100 are selected from transparent, translucent and opaque.

11) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tapered sections 203a & 203b provides an oblique plane for insertion of said anchor lock 101.

12) A method for assembly of the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is installed with a metering appliance, said metering appliance embodied within a casing, wherein said method comprising the steps of:

Routing the sealing wire 102 within two or more holes of said casing, anchor lock 101 and capsule 100, for engaging said metering appliance, anchor lock 101 and capsule 100 together;
Inserting said anchor lock 101 within said capsule 100 through said guide rail 204 in an oblique plane; and
Pressing said anchor lock 101 within said capsule 100 in a twisting position, until a base portion of the anchor lock 101 contacts with a base portion of said capsule 100, wherein said female protruded members 206 interlock with said male protruded members 301 to lock/clasp said sealing wire 102, thereby preventing fraudulent opening of said electric meter casing.

13) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the holes 205a, 205b, 302a, & 302b are crafted non-collinearly which in turn results in installation of the sealing wire 102 in an offset position.

14) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein, the tapered sections 203a & 203b are crafted in a way that the anchor lock 101 tilts from the oblique plane to an orthogonal position while being inserted within said capsule 100.

15) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said metering appliance include but not limited to water meters and electric meters.