Patent ID: 8638273

Claim:
An antenna comprising: a conductor element; an antenna body surrounding a portion of the conductor element, the antenna body separated from the conductor element to form an air gap therebetween; a seal located at a first end of the air gap between the interior of the antenna body and the conductor element, the seal in contact with the interior of the antenna body and with the conductor element to seal the first end of the air gap; a connector located at a second end of the air gap opposite the first end of the air gap, the connector disposed between the interior of the antenna body and the conductor element, the connector in contact with the interior of the antenna body and with the conductor element to form a substantially air tight barrier with the conductor element at the second end of the air gap; the air gap bounded by at least the interior of the antenna body, the conductor element, the connector and the seal; and a plate located on the interior of the antenna body and surrounding a portion of the conductor element between the air gap and the seal, wherein the plate prevents the seal from entering the air gap when the seal is melted.