Patent ID: 6414605
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G01D,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
A radio frequency utility meter communication apparatus for transmitting utility meter data to a remote utility meter data collection unit from an underground pit box receiving a utility meter and having a generally ground level pit lid with an opening therethrough, said communication apparatus comprising:an antenna element having a top cap larger than the pit lid opening and received thereabove, and having a depending base extending from said top cap and passing through the pit lid opening into the underground pit box; antenna securement means for securing said antenna element in a fixed position relative to an associated pit lid with said top cap of said antenna element received above the pit lid opening and with said depending base thereof extending through said pit lid opening, said antenna securement means comprising a preformed member for receiving both said top cap and said depending base, said preformed member having threads about an outside diameter portion thereof received radially outward from said depending base and threaded nut means for engaging said preformed member threads so as to capture against the pit lid lower side for securing said antenna element; an RF transmitter situated inside the underground pit box and associated with said antenna element depending base such that RF signals transmitted by said RF transmitter are propagated by said antenna element; and utility meter interconnection means for interconnecting data from a utility meter within an underground pit box to said RF transmitter situated inside such underground pit box; whereby said antenna element top cap, at least partly situated above an exterior, above ground portion of the pit box lid, propagates utility meter data from the utility meter within the pit box to a remote utility meter data collection unit.