Metal housing with integral antenna for RFID reader/writer

• US 20060038686A1
• Filed: 07/12/2005
• Published: 02/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Soundcraft Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Soundcraft Incorporated
• Inventors: Casden, Martin S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,411,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.700
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2474 Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout loop antennae H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2477 Antenna or antenna activator circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2216 used in interrogator/reader equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/40 Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/44 using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna , e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspectH01Q1/27 - H01Q1/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 13/10 Resonant slot antennas
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/27 Spiral antennas

Abstract

Enhanced physical protection against vandalism for RFID reader/writer units is provided by a relatively thick metal front or housing which also functions as the antenna element of the reader/writer. The metal front is cut or slotted to define a radio frequency antenna integral with the metal front or housing for improved physical protection and good unshielded antenna function.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification tag reader including radio frequency transmitter and receiver circuits and an antenna connected to said circuits, said antenna defined integrally with a metal plate, said metal plate providing an exterior cover for said circuits.

2. The reader of claim 1 wherein said antenna is defined by cutting of said metal plate.

3. The reader of claims 1 wherein said metal plate is relatively thick for resisting damage by vandalism when installed in a public location.

4. The reader of claim 1 wherein said antenna is defined by a single cut in said metal plate.

5. The reader of claim 1 wherein said antenna is a spiral antenna.

6. The reader of claim 1 wherein said antenna is a single turn antenna.

7. The reader of claim 1 wherein said metal plate is part of a reader housing for said circuits.

9. The reader of claim 1 wherein said metal plate is at least partially covered with an electrically insulating material.

11. The reader of claim 9 wherein said antenna is defined integrally with said housing front.

8. The reader of claim 8 wherein said reader housing has a housing front and housing walls forming a single piece metal housing.

10. A radio frequency identification tag reader having a reader housing, said housing including a housing front and a plurality of housing walls, said housing front and said housing walls forming a one piece metal housing, and a radio frequency antenna defined integrally with said metal housing and connected for radiating radio frequency signals of said reader.

12. A radio frequency identification tag reader including radio frequency transmitter and receiver circuits, a cover for said reader, said cover being made of metal, and a radio frequency antenna defined integrally with said cover and connected for radiating radio frequency signals of said reader.