Smart meter cover with integral untethered antenna elements for AMI communications
US8228209B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49018
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus for mounting and locating untethered embedded antenna elements in the dielectric cover of electric utility meters configured for but not limited to wireless remote one way or two way radio communications for automated metering applications such as remote meter reading, remote connect/disconnect, home area networking, meter equipment firmware downloads, load management or locations based services. A multiplicity of untethered integral antenna elements and topologies may be located within a replacement dielectric cover for a direct-connect cable free or cable connection to a radio or microwave modem. Also described is a method and apparatus for retro-fitting the antenna elements on the inner face of an existing utility meter dielectric cover.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.