The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 29, 2012
Filed:
Nov. 05, 2007
Bruce E. Randall, Rock Hill, SC (US);
William Medford Buchanan, Brandon, MS (US);
Robert Bryan Seal, Meridian, MS (US);
Bruce E. Randall, Rock Hill, SC (US);
William Medford Buchanan, Brandon, MS (US);
Robert Bryan Seal, Meridian, MS (US);
SmartSynch, Inc., Jackson, MI (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a utility meter assembly comprising: a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, wherein the meter components include a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover, wherein the internal dipole antenna is beyond the front of the faceplate and toward the front of the utility meter assembly. The internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components. The internal dipole antenna is typically tuned for optimal matching impedance in an 850 MHz or 1900 MHz receiving band, so that the desired receiving band Standing Wave Ration (SWR) is achieved, and also a specified minimum radiated power threshold is maintained.