Low profile antenna
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of communicating with below-grade devices, comprising:
- receiving or sending transmitted radio frequency (RF) signals to or from at least one below-grade device, wherein said at least one below-grade device is conductively connected to at least one low profile antenna mounted in a groove of a traffic surface, said low profile antenna comprising;
a first elongated element made from an electrically conductive material;
a second elongated element made from the electrically conductive material; and
a cable that is conductively attached to the first and second elongated elements and conductively connects to said at least one below-grade device;
wherein the first and second elongated elements each have a height that is of a low profile and lengths that are substantially equal; and
wherein each elongated element is covered at least partially with a substantially non-conductive covering.
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Abstract
A dipole antenna is constructed of flexible conductive elements. These elements are encased in a flexible protective covering or attached to a semi-rigid substrate. This covering protects the antenna during handling, transport, and installation. The conductive elements and the protective covering may be further encased or embedded in an external protective covering. The final external protective covering serves as an adhesive to permanently attach the antenna to a mounting surface. When installed on the mounting surface, the antenna has a low profile with respect to the mounting surface.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of communicating with below-grade devices, comprising:
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receiving or sending transmitted radio frequency (RF) signals to or from at least one below-grade device, wherein said at least one below-grade device is conductively connected to at least one low profile antenna mounted in a groove of a traffic surface, said low profile antenna comprising;
a first elongated element made from an electrically conductive material;
a second elongated element made from the electrically conductive material; and
a cable that is conductively attached to the first and second elongated elements and conductively connects to said at least one below-grade device;
wherein the first and second elongated elements each have a height that is of a low profile and lengths that are substantially equal; and
wherein each elongated element is covered at least partially with a substantially non-conductive covering. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of monitoring data transmissions by below-grade devices, comprising:
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receiving data transmissions from at least one below-grade device on a receiving transceiver, wherein said at least one device is conductively connected to at least one low profile antenna mounted in a groove of a traffic surface, said low profile antenna comprising;
a first elongated element made from an electrically conductive material;
a second elongated element made from the electrically conductive material; and
a cable that is conductively attached to the first and second elongated elements and conductively connects to said at least one below-grade device;
wherein the first and second elongated elements each have a height that is of a low profile and lengths that are substantially equal; and
wherein each elongated element is covered at least partially with a substantially non-conductive covering. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of monitoring a plurality of underground devices, comprising:
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receiving signals transmitted by at least two underground devices;
wherein said at least two underground devices each comprise at least one low profile antenna mounted in a groove of at least one traffic surface, said low profile antenna comprising;
a first elongated element made from an electrically conductive material;
a second elongated element made from the electrically conductive material; and
a cable that is conductively attached to the first and second elongated elements and conductively connects to said underground device;
wherein the first and second elongated elements each have a height that is of a low profile and lengths that are substantially equal; and
wherein each elongated element is covered at least partially with a substantially non-conductive covering; and
wherein said signals are received at a central data collection point. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification