Bracket system and method for use with remote-reading water meters

Abstract

A bracket and method for use in mounting a transducer/antenna unit in an underground meter box of the type which contains a remote-reading water meter. The box has a peripheral ledge defining an access opening that seats a lid. The bracket comprises a pair of beams which are spaced-apart sufficient to enable the installation and support of a cap containing the antenna. A pair of right angles on the beam ends are seated between the ledge and lid to suspend the beam and therefore the antenna at a predetermined height below the lid. The height is sufficient for holding the antenna at a position which is optimum for radiating RF signals for pick up by an above-ground remote receiver.

1 . A bracket system for use with a meter box which contains a remote-reading water meter having a unit which comprises a transducer and an antenna for transmitting RF signals to a remote receiver, the box having a peripheral ledge that defines an access opening together with a lid that is supported in seated relationship above the ledge, the bracket system comprising a support beam for supporting the unit, a suspension structure for positioning in captured relationship between the lid and ledge, the suspension structure being connected with the support beam for holding the unit at a vertical height H relative to the lid which is sufficient to hold the antenna at an optimum position for radiating RF signals for pick up by the remote receiver and in which the height is sufficient to disable the unit from unintended dislodgement from the captured relationship.  
     
     
         2 . A bracket system as in  claim 1  in which the suspension structure comprises an outwardly extending plate joined with an upwardly extending plate, the outwardly extending plate being captured between the ledge and lid.  
     
     
         3 . A bracket system as in  claim 1  in which the height H is in the range of 0.5 inches to 2.0 inches.  
     
     
         4 . A bracket system as in  claim 1  in which the bracket system comprises a pair of the support beams carried by the suspension structure in a parallel relationship spaced-apart a length L which is sufficient to support opposite sides of the unit, the length L being sufficiently large to enable fitment of the unit between the beams.  
     
     
         5 . A bracket system as in  claim 1  in which the support beam comprises a pair of tubes mounted together in adjustable telescoping relationship to enable mounting the beam in meter boxes having a range of sizes of access openings.  
     
     
         6 . A method of mounting a transducer and antenna unit in a meter box which contains a remote-reading water meter and in which the box has a peripheral ledge that defines an access opening which is covered by a lid, the method comprising the steps of providing a support beam within the box below the lid, supporting the unit on the beam, suspending the beam from the the ledge and positioning the antenna at a vertical height H below the lid which is optimum for transmitting RF signals to a remote receiver.  
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 6  in which the height H is in the range of 0.5 inches to 2.0 inches.