Embedded antenna apparatus for utility metering applications
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An antenna apparatus for embedded positioning relative to an external surface of a utility meter having a communications module, the antenna apparatus comprising:
- single- or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) providing an integral structural portion of the utility meter, the PCB characterized by respective inner and outer surfaces relative to the utility meter, wherein the outer surface of the PCB is placed substantially adjacent to a front portion of the meter housing;
a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on a layer surface of the PCB, the 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 the patterned RF antenna for association with the communications module of the utility meter.
14 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information.
-
Citations
29 Claims
-
1. An antenna apparatus for embedded positioning relative to an external surface of a utility meter having a communications module, the antenna apparatus comprising:
-
single- or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) providing an integral structural portion of the utility meter, the PCB characterized by respective inner and outer surfaces relative to the utility meter, wherein the outer surface of the PCB is placed substantially adjacent to a front portion of the meter housing; a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on a layer surface of the PCB, the 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 the patterned RF antenna for association with the communications module of the utility meter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. An electronic device with radio frequency (RF) communication components integrated therein for achieving improved RF communication capabilities to transmit utility meter data, the electronic device comprising:
-
an RF communications module configured to process and relay data signals transmitted and received by the electronic device; a single- or multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) forming a base structure for the electronic device; at least one predefined portion of metallization layered on a layer surface of the PCB, the at least one predefined portion of metallization forming a functional antenna element for the RF communications module; and a connective element connected to the at least one predefined portion of metallization for providing an electrical connection between the functional antenna element and the RF communications module, wherein an outer surface of the PCB is positioned substantially close to an external surface of the electronic devise housing to form a faceplate, and wherein the formed faceplate includes labeled information. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A utility meter for monitoring or controlling the distribution of a utility product or service to a customer, the utility meter comprising:
-
at least one housing component for protecting selected electronics and other internal components of the utility meter; an outer cover for encasing the at least one housing component; a single- or multi-layer dielectric faceplate attached to the front of the at least one internal housing component and within a distance from other electronic or electric parts attached to the housing and substantially close to a front of the utility meter; and a patterned radio frequency (RF) antenna formed on a selected layer surface of the faceplate, the patterned RF antenna configured to transmit and receive RF signals from a communications module associated with the utility meter. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
-
Specification