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.

Date of Patent:
Jul. 28, 2015

Filed:

Dec. 23, 2011
Applicants:

Robert Bryan Seal, Meridian, MS (US);

Zafarullah Khan, Kenner, LA (US);

Michael Dempsey, Madison, MS (US);

Inventors:

Robert Bryan Seal, Meridian, MS (US);

Zafarullah Khan, Kenner, LA (US);

Michael Dempsey, Madison, MS (US);

Assignee:

ITRON, INC., Liberty Lake, WA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G08B 23/00 (2006.01); G08C 15/06 (2006.01); G01R 15/00 (2006.01); H01Q 1/22 (2006.01); H01Q 9/16 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
H01Q 1/2233 (2013.01); H01Q 9/16 (2013.01);
Abstract

A utility meter assembly comprising: a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, the meter components including a transceiver operative for 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; an internal dipole antenna that is situated in a space defined between the faceplate and the exterior cover toward the front of the utility meter assembly; and a mounting bracket that supports the internal dipole antenna. The combined sub-assembly of the mounting bracket and the internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components, and thus achieve improved communications properties measured in isotropic sensitivity and radiated power.


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