Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting utility meter data from an underground meter pit. The device includes a radiating antenna that is positioned entirely above the top surface of the pit lid. The radiating antenna conductively contacts a portion of the transmitter supported on the pit lid by the antenna housing. The transmitter housing includes an isolation sleeve that physically contacts a portion of the radiating antenna to enhance the signal transfer from the transmitter to the radiating antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting utility meter data from an underground meter pit. The device includes a radiating antenna that is positioned entirely above the top surface of the pit lid. The radiating antenna conductively contacts a portion of the transmitter supported on the pit lid by the antenna housing. The transmitter housing includes an isolation sleeve that physically contacts a portion of the radiating antenna to enhance the signal transfer from the transmitter to the radiating antenna.

Abstract: A printed circuit board antenna structure for the transmission of radio frequency energy. The printed circuit board antenna of the present invention includes a circuit board subassembly having a component mounting section and an antenna section. The antenna section of the circuit board includes a pair of antenna traces that function as two sides of a dipole antenna. Each antenna trace includes a radiating strip where the combination of the pair of radiating strips has a length less than one-half the wavelength of the desired radiation being transmitted. Each antenna trace includes an impedance matching strip having a serpentine structure and coupled to the radiating strip. The impedance matching strip matches the desired impedance for the antenna driving circuit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board antenna structure for the transmission of radio frequency energy. The printed circuit board antenna of the present invention includes a circuit board subassembly having a component mounting section and an antenna section. The second planar surface of the circuit board includes a layer of conductive material along the component mounting section to define a ground plane. A radiating and impedance matching trace is applied to the second planar surface of the circuit board along the antenna section. The radiating and impedance matching trace includes a radiating strip extending parallel to the center axis of the circuit board and an impedance matching strip having a plurality of individual legs extending perpendicular to the center axis. The impedance matching strip has defined dimensions to match the impedance of the antenna driving circuit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board antenna structure for the transmission of radio frequency energy. The printed circuit board antenna of the present invention includes a circuit board subassembly having a component mounting section and an antenna section. The antenna section of the circuit board includes a pair of antenna traces that function as two sides of a dipole antenna. Each antenna trace includes a radiating strip where the combination of the pair of radiating strips has a length less than one-half the wavelength of the desired radiation being transmitted. Each antenna trace includes an impedance matching strip having a serpentine structure and coupled to the radiating strip. The impedance matching strip matches the desired impedance for the antenna driving circuit.

Abstract: A printed circuit board antenna structure for the transmission of radio frequency energy. The printed circuit board antenna of the present invention includes a circuit board subassembly having a component mounting section and an antenna section. The second planar surface of the circuit board includes a layer of conductive material along the component mounting section to define a ground plane. A radiating and impedance matching trace is applied to the second planar surface of the circuit board along the antenna section. The radiating and impedance matching trace includes a radiating strip extending parallel to the center axis of the circuit board and an impedance matching strip having a plurality of individual legs extending perpendicular to the center axis. The impedance matching strip has defined dimensions to match the impedance of the antenna driving circuit.