FORWARD THROW ANTENNA UTILITY METER
First Claim
1. A utility meter assembly comprising:
- a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, the plurality of meter components including a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network;
a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate;
an exterior cover configured to enclose the plurality of meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and
an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a utility meter assembly comprising: a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, wherein the meter components include a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly. The internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components. The internal dipole antenna is typically tuned for optimal matching impedance in an 850 MHz or 1900 MHz receiving band, so that the desired receiving band Standing Wave Ration (SWR) is achieved, and also a specified minimum radiated power threshold is maintained.
262 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A utility meter assembly comprising:
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a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, the plurality of meter components including a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the plurality of meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A utility meter assembly comprising:
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a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, the plurality of meter components including a transceiver operative for signal communications over a wireless network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on a front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the plurality of meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly.
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18. A method for assembling a utility meter comprising steps of:
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selecting a plurality of meter components configured for measure and collection of data, the plurality of meter components including a transceiver operative for signal communications over a wireless network; securing a faceplate forward of the plurality of meter components; inserting an internal dipole antenna forward of the faceplate; and covering the internal dipole antenna with an exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is situated toward the front of the utility meter. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification