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Radio frequency identification reader antenna arrangement with multiple linearly-polarized elements

  • US 9,792,474 B2
  • Filed: 09/07/2016
  • Issued: 10/17/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An antenna apparatus for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, comprising:

  • a fixed overhead housing configured to enclose an RFID reader having a plurality of radio ports coupled thereto; and

    a plurality of antenna elements disposed outside of the housing and configured to be coupled to the radio ports through the housing, each antenna element comprising a full wavelength loop element oriented between, and parallel to, a director plate and a reflector panel, the reflector panels of the antenna elements being joined together to define a common reflector box defining the housing that contains the radio ports and acts as an electrical ground for electrical components in the common reflector box;

    wherein the antenna elements are linearly polarized and are each arranged in a circle around the housing, with a first type of the antenna elements outwardly radiating vertical polarization and with a second type of the antenna elements outwardly radiating horizontal polarization, and wherein the first type of the antenna elements and the second type of the antenna elements are alternately arranged in the circle, andwherein the RFID reader directs the radio ports to sequentially communicatively connect only one antenna element at a time to the RFID reader such that only one antenna element is operable to transmit/receive at any instant in time.

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