Patent ID: 7973673

Claim:
An automated meter reader module adapted to be installed on an existing utility meter having an index attachment that displays readings from the utility meter, the utility meter presenting an attachment area where the index attachment is selectively attachable to the utility meter, the automated meter reader module comprising: a housing with a generally planar base having on a first side a plurality of walls defining an at least one housing cavity adapted to receive a printed circuit board having circuitry for the automated reader meter module, the housing including a structure on the first side adapted to interface with the index attachment and a portion of the base on a second side opposite the first side that is adapted to interface with the attachment area, the at least one housing cavity including a cavity portion that extends beyond a perimeter of the attachment area of the utility meter; a cover locatable relative to the housing to cover both the housing cavity and the index attachment when the index attachment is mounted on the structure adapted to interface with the index attachment; and a patch antenna integrated into the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board locatable within the at least one housing cavity such that the patch antenna occupies a position in the cavity portion that extends beyond the perimeter of the attachment area of the utility meter; wherein the structure on the first side of the housing further comprises a first mounting post and a second mounting post designed to interface with the index attachment, the first mounting post and the second mounting post being located outside the at least one housing cavity.