Embedded antenna apparatus for utility metering applications
First Claim
1. An antenna apparatus for embedded positioning relative to an external surface of a utility meter having a communications module, said antenna apparatus comprising:
- a body of dielectric material for providing an integral structural portion of the utility meter, said body of dielectric material characterized by respective inner and outer surfaces relative to the utility meter;
a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on the inner surface of said body of dielectric material, said patterned RF antenna configured to transmit and receive RF signals associated with a communications module of the utility meter; and
an electrical connection formed with said patterned RF antenna for association with the communications module of a utility meter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-purpose embedded antenna apparatus for facilitating the communication of RF data signals is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the subject technology are utilized in a wireless utility metering environment and corresponding nodal network of communications devices. Preferred embedded antenna embodiments incorporate an RF antenna into a structural member, such as a faceplate, of a utility meter. Additional functionality may also be offered through device labeling incorporated with such an antenna apparatus. Exemplary embedded antenna apparatuses in accordance with the present subject matter may comprise a body of dielectric material, a radio frequency (RF) antenna applied to the body of dielectric material in a predefined size and pattern, and a connective element to interface the antenna to a communications module within a utility meter or other electronic device. An antenna apparatus may offer additional structural stability for meter housings. The location and design of the disclosed antenna modules preferably offer improved performance characteristics, including high antenna gain and uniform energy distribution.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An antenna apparatus for embedded positioning relative to an external surface of a utility meter having a communications module, said antenna apparatus comprising:
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a body of dielectric material for providing an integral structural portion of the utility meter, said body of dielectric material characterized by respective inner and outer surfaces relative to the utility meter;
a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on the inner surface of said body of dielectric material, said patterned RF antenna configured to transmit and receive RF signals associated with a communications module of the utility meter; and
an electrical connection formed with said patterned RF antenna for association with the communications module of a utility meter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An electronic device with radio frequency (RF) communication components integrated therein for achieving improved RF communication capabilities, said electronic device comprising:
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an RF communications module configured to process and relay data signals transmitted and received by said electronic device;
a dielectric substrate forming a casing component for said electronic device;
at least one predefined portion of metallization layered on said dielectric substrate, said at least one predefined portion of metallization forming a functional antenna element for said RF communications module; and
a connective element connected to said at least one predefined portion of metallization for providing an electrical connection between said functional antenna element and said RF communications module. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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19. A utility meter for monitoring or controlling the distribution of a utility product or service to a customer, said utility meter comprising:
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at least one housing component for protecting selected electronics and other internal components of a utility meter;
a faceplate attached to the front of said at least one internal housing component, said faceplate characterized by an inner and an outer surface thereof; and
a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on a selected surface of said faceplate, said patterned RF antenna configured to transmit and receive RF signals from a communications module associated with said utility meter. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification