Flush mounted pit lid antenna
First Claim
1. An antenna arrangement for radio frequency communication between a commodity meter positioned within a subsurface pit enclosure and a collection unit, comprising:
- a pit lid positionable to cover the pit enclosure, the pit lid having a top surface and a mounting opening extending through the pit lid;
an antenna coupled to the commodity meter for transmitting the radio frequency communication signals from the commodity meter to the collection unit; and
an antenna housing sized to contain the antenna, the antenna being enclosed within the antenna housing and positioned beneath a top surface of the antenna housing;
wherein the antenna housing passes through and is secured within the mounting opening of the pit lid such that the top surface of the antenna housing is flush with the top surface of the pit lid.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An antenna enclosure and mounting arrangement for transmitting meter-related information from a remotely readable commodity meter positioned within a subterraneous pit to a remote reading station. The antenna arrangement includes an antenna housing having an outwardly tapered support portion that contacts an inwardly tapered support surface formed in the pit lid. When the antenna housing is mounted within the pit lid, the top surface of the antenna enclosure is flush with the top surface of the pit lid, while the antenna contained within the antenna housing is positioned slightly below the top surface of the pit lid.
173 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An antenna arrangement for radio frequency communication between a commodity meter positioned within a subsurface pit enclosure and a collection unit, comprising:
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a pit lid positionable to cover the pit enclosure, the pit lid having a top surface and a mounting opening extending through the pit lid;
an antenna coupled to the commodity meter for transmitting the radio frequency communication signals from the commodity meter to the collection unit; and
an antenna housing sized to contain the antenna, the antenna being enclosed within the antenna housing and positioned beneath a top surface of the antenna housing;
wherein the antenna housing passes through and is secured within the mounting opening of the pit lid such that the top surface of the antenna housing is flush with the top surface of the pit lid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An antenna arrangement for radio frequency communication between a commodity meter positioned within a subsurface pit enclosure and a collection unit, comprising:
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a pit lid positionable to cover the pit enclosure, the pit lid having a top surface and a mounting opening that extends through the pit lid, wherein the mounting opening is defined by a tapered support surface;
an antenna coupled to the commodity meter for radio frequency transmission from the commodity meter to the collection unit; and
an antenna housing sized to contain the antenna, the antenna housing including a tapered support portion and a main body portion;
wherein the tapered support portion of the antenna housing engages the tapered support surface of the pit lid such that the antenna housing is supported within the mounting opening of the pit lid such that the top surface of the antenna housing is flush with the top surface of the pit lid. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification