Remote antenna coupling in an AMR device
First Claim
1. A remote antenna coupler system for use in an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) environment, comprising;
- a male coupler portion, having a first portion configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, and having a second portion coupled to and extending above said first portion;
a plurality of female coupler portions, each respectively having a capture portion configured to mate with said second portion of said male coupler portion, and each respectively having a second portion coupled to and extending above said capture portion thereof; and
a plurality of diverse antennae structures associated individually with each of said plurality of female coupler portions,whereby a selected combination of one of the plurality of diverse antennae structures and female coupler portions may be interchangeably coupled to said male coupler portion.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing improved signal radiation from an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) endpoint module. A two-part coupler is provided, with one part thereof affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) which hosts components of an endpoint module including a transmitter to which, via the two-part coupler, various antenna may be selectively connected to improve signal radiation from the module. The antenna coupling system provides a selection of various antennae including some directly connected to a component of the two-part coupler and others connected remotely to the two-part coupler by way of a cable.
57 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A remote antenna coupler system for use in an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) environment, comprising;
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a male coupler portion, having a first portion configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, and having a second portion coupled to and extending above said first portion; a plurality of female coupler portions, each respectively having a capture portion configured to mate with said second portion of said male coupler portion, and each respectively having a second portion coupled to and extending above said capture portion thereof; and a plurality of diverse antennae structures associated individually with each of said plurality of female coupler portions, whereby a selected combination of one of the plurality of diverse antennae structures and female coupler portions may be interchangeably coupled to said male coupler portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An endpoint module for use in an AMR environment, comprising:
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a printed circuit board; a remote antenna coupler; and a protective coating; wherein said remote antenna coupler comprises a male coupler portion attached to one of said printed circuit board and an antenna structure, and comprises a female coupler portion having a capture portion configured to mate with said male coupler portion, and a second portion thereof configured to be coupled to the other of said printed circuit board and an antenna structure; and wherein said protective coating at least partially covers said printed circuit board and at least a portion of the male coupler portion of said remote antenna coupler. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for selectively enhancing radio frequency (RF) communications from an endpoint module in an AMR environment, comprising:
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providing an endpoint module having at least a transmitter portion; providing a remote antenna coupler having a male coupler portion and a mating female coupler portion; providing an antenna element; coupling the male coupler portion to one of the transmitter portion of the endpoint module and the antenna element; coupling the female coupler portion to the other of the transmitter portion of the endpoint module and the antenna element; and coupling the female coupler portion to the male coupler portion. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification