Nozzle cap encapsulated antenna system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11342656
  • Patent Number
    11,342,656
  • Date Filed
    Friday, December 28, 2018
    5 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 24, 2022
    2 years ago
Abstract
A nozzle cap includes a cap body defining a first body end and a second body end, the cap body defining a circumferential wall extending from the first body end towards the second body end; an antenna cover circumferentially overlapping a portion of the circumferential wall, the antenna cover defining an inner cover surface facing the circumferential wall, an antenna cavity defined between the inner cover surface and the portion of the circumferential wall; and an antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip positioned within the antenna cavity, the antenna PCB strip secured in facing engagement with the inner cover surface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to nozzle caps. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a nozzle cap of a fire hydrant which is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal.


BACKGROUND

Some fluid systems, such as water distribution systems, can comprise fire hydrants which can be attached to legs of the fluid system, such as a water main. Fire hydrants typically have one or more nozzles sealed with a nozzle cap. In an Advanced Metering Infrastructure, the fire hydrants can be configured to wirelessly transmit data. For example, the nozzle cap of a fire hydrant can contain a vibration sensor configured to detect leaks within the fluid system, and information about the presence or absence of leaks can be wirelessly transmitted to an agency tasked with managing and maintaining the water distribution system. However, nozzle caps configured to wirelessly transmit information can contain delicate electronics which can easily be damaged by impacts, as nozzle caps commonly experience. Additionally, the fire hydrants and nozzle caps are commonly made of metal which can interfere with wireless transmission of a signal from within a nozzle cap.


SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.


Disclosed is a nozzle cap comprising a cap body defining a first body end and a second body end, the cap body defining a circumferential wall extending from the first body end towards the second body end; an antenna cover circumferentially overlapping a portion of the circumferential wall, the antenna cover defining an inner cover surface facing the circumferential wall, an antenna cavity defined between the inner cover surface and the portion of the circumferential wall; and an antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip positioned within the antenna cavity, the antenna PCB strip secured in facing engagement with the inner cover surface.


Also disclosed a method for installing an antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip in a nozzle cap, the method comprising attaching the antenna PCB strip to an inner cover surface of an antenna cover; circumferentially covering a portion of a circumferential wall of the nozzle cap with an antenna cover, an antenna cavity defined between the portion of the circumferential wall and the inner cover surface of the antenna cover; and filling the antenna cavity with potting.


Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fire hydrant comprising a barrel, a nozzle cap, and a bonnet in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.



FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1 comprising a cap body and a cap cover attached to the cap body by fasteners.



FIG. 3 is a front view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1 facing a first body end of the cap body with the cap cover and the fasteners removed.



FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1, with a cavity gasket of the nozzle cap additionally removed.



FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1, with the antenna covers and the antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strips of the nozzle cap additionally removed.



FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1, with the spacer strips, the plugs, and the pins of the nozzle cap additionally removed.



FIG. 7 is a side view of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1, as configured in FIG. 6.



FIG. 8 is a front exploded view of the cap body, the plugs, the pins, the spacer strips, the antenna PCB strips, and the antenna covers of the nozzle cap of FIG. 1.



FIG. 9 is a front view of an antenna PCB strip comprising a Global System for Mobile communications (“GSM”) antenna according to another aspect of the present disclosure.



FIG. 10 is a front view of an antenna PCB strip comprising an Advanced Meter Infrastructure (“AMI”) antenna according to another aspect of the present disclosure.



FIG. 11 is a front view of an antenna PCB strip comprising a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) antenna according to another aspect of the present disclosure.



FIG. 12 is a front view of an antenna PCB strip comprising a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) antenna according to another aspect of the present disclosure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.


The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.


As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.


Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.


For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.


As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.


The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.


Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.


Disclosed is a nozzle cap and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The nozzle cap can comprise a cap body, a pair of antenna printed circuit boards (“PCBs”) strips, and a pair of antenna covers. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed nozzle cap is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fire hydrant 110 comprising a barrel 120, a nozzle cap 150, and a bonnet 180. The barrel 120 can define a top barrel end 122 and a bottom barrel end 124 disposed opposite from the top barrel end 122. The barrel 120 can be substantially tubular. The barrel 120 can comprise a top flange 126 disposed at the top barrel end 122 and a base flange 128 disposed at the bottom barrel end 124. The base flange 128 can be fastened to a stand pipe flange 199 of a stand pipe 198 of a fluid system (not shown), such as a water main for example and without limitation. The base flange 128 can be fastened to the stand pipe flange 199 by a plurality of fasteners 130. A bonnet flange 182 of the bonnet 180 can be attached to the top flange 126 of the barrel 120, such as with a plurality of fasteners (not shown) similar to the fasteners 130. The bonnet 180 can comprise an operation nut 184, or “op nut”, which can be rotated to open and close a main valve (not shown) positioned at the bottom barrel end 124 or below in the stand pipe 198 in order to respectively supply or cut off pressurized water supply to the fire hydrant 110.


The barrel 120 can define one or more nozzles 140a,b. The nozzle cap 150 can be screwed onto the nozzle 140a to seal the nozzle 140a. With the nozzle cap 150 sealing the nozzle 140a, pressurized water cannot escape through the nozzle 140a when the main valve (not shown) is in an open position. The nozzle cap 150 can define a cap nut 152 which can be turned, such as with a wrench, to tighten or loosen the nozzle cap 150 on the nozzle 140a.



FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the nozzle cap 150 of the fire hydrant 110 of FIG. 1. The nozzle cap 150 can comprise a cap body 210, a cap cover 280, and a pair of antenna covers 318a,b. The cap body 210 can define a first body end 212 and a second body end 214, and the first body end 212 can be disposed opposite from the second body end 214. The cap body 210 can define a cap axis 201 extending from the first body end 212 to the second body end 214. The cap axis 201 can extend through the cap nut 152 such that rotating the nozzle cap 150 by turning the cap nut 152, such as with a wrench, can rotate the nozzle cap 150 about the cap axis 201.


The cap body 210 can define a pair of bottom shelves 240a,b at the second body end 214. Each bottom shelf 240a,b can respectively be positioned beneath a different one of the antenna covers 318a,b with respect to the present viewing angle. The cap cover 280 can be secured to the first body end 212 by a plurality of fasteners 230. The bottom shelves 240a,b and the cap cover 280 can radially overlap with each of the antenna covers 318a,b, respectively, to axially secure each antenna cover 318a,b between the respective bottom shelf 240a,b and the cap cover 280 relative to the cap axis 201.


The cap body 210 can also define a circumferential wall 312 extending from the first body end 212 towards the second body end 214, and each antenna cover 318a,b can circumferentially overlap a different portion of the circumferential wall 312. In the present aspect, each antenna cover 318a,b can respectively define an outer cover surface 218a,b, and the circumferential wall 312 can define an outer wall surface 290. In the present aspect, each of the outer cover surfaces 218a,b can be positioned flush with the outer wall surface 290.



FIG. 3 is a front view of the nozzle cap 150 of FIG. 1 facing the first body end 212 with the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2) and fasteners 230 (shown in FIG. 2) removed to expose a cavity 310 within the cap body 210. The cap body 210 can define fastener holes 330 configured to receive the fasteners 230 to secure the cap cover 280 to the cap body 210. The cavity 310 can extend inwards into the cap body 210 from the first body end 212 to an inner wall 220 of the cap body 210. As shown, the circumferential wall 312 can extend around a circumference of the cap body 210, and the circumferential wall 312 can partially enclose the cavity 310. A cavity opening 313 to the cavity 310 can be defined at the first body end 212, and a cavity gasket 314 can extend around the cavity opening 313. The cavity gasket 314 can be configured to seal with the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2) to enclose the cavity 310.


As previously discussed, the antenna covers 318a,b can circumferentially overlap portions of the circumferential wall 312. In the present aspect, the portions can be scalloped portions defined by external scallops 316a,b, respectively. The external scallops 316a,b can extend axially inward into the outer wall surface 290 of the circumferential wall 312 relative to the cap axis 201, shown extending out of the page. As shown, the antenna covers 318a,b can fit within the external scallops 316a,b, respectively.


The nozzle cap 150 can further comprise a pair of antenna printed circuit boards (“PCBs”) 320a,b which can be respectively enclosed within each of the external scallops 316a,b between the respective antenna cover 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312. Each antenna cover 318a,b can define an inner cover surface 322a,b, respectively, which can face the circumferential wall 312. An antenna cavity 324a,b can respectively be defined between each of the inner cover surfaces 322a,b and the scalloped portions of the circumferential wall 312 defined by the external scallops 316a,b. The antenna covers 318a,b can each partially enclose the respective antenna cavity 324a,b. In the present aspect, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be secured in facing engagement with the inner cover surface 322a,b.


The nozzle cap 150 can further comprise a pair of spacer strips 326a,b (shown in FIG. 4) disposed within the respective antenna cavity 324a,b. The spacer strips 326a,b can be positioned between the respective antenna cover 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312, and the spacer strips 326a,b can be in facing engagement with the adjacent antenna cover 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312. In the present aspect, the spacer strips 326a,b can comprise an adhesive which can be bonded to either or both of the respective antenna cover 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312. In the present aspect, the spacer strips 326a,b can comprise a compressible material, such as foam, rubber, an elastomer, or any other suitable material. The spacer strips 326a,b can be compressed by the respective antenna covers 318a,b, thereby forming a seal between the antenna covers 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312.


The antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be attached to the inner cover surface 322a,b of the respective antenna cover 318a,b, such as with an adhesive, a tape, or a mechanical fastener, such as hook-and-loop strips, a screw, a bolt, a snap, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. In some aspects, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be positioned atop a bottom cover surface 333a,b of the respective antenna covers 318a,b. The bottom cover surfaces 333a,b can be defined within the respective antenna cavities 324a,b.


The spacer strips 326a,b can primarily act as a temporary sealing mechanism for filling the antenna cavities 324a,b with a potting material. With any gaps between the antenna covers 318a,b and the circumferential wall 312 sealed by the spacer strips 326a,b, potting can be poured into each antenna cavity 324a,b in a liquid or amorphous form, and the potting can be allowed to cure. The potting can permanently seal the respective antenna cavity 324a,b, and the potting can permanently secure each antenna PCB strip 320a,b in facing engagement with the inner cover surface 322a,b. The potting can secure the antenna PCB strips 320a,b permanently in position in a manner which resists vibration and impact.


The potting can at least partially be positioned between the antenna PCB strips 320a,b and the circumferential wall 312. In some aspects, the circumferential wall 312 can interfere with transmissions from the antenna PCB strips 320a,b. The potting can maintain a constant gap between the circumferential wall 312 and the respective antenna PCB strips 320a,b, therefore providing consistent transmission tuning of the antenna PCB strip 320a,b. The potting can also seal out moisture, debris, and other foreign matter which could enter the antenna cavities 324a,b and interfere with the operation of the antenna PCB strips 320a,b. By attaching the antenna PCB strips 320a,b to the respective inner cover surfaces 322a,b, the gap between the circumferential wall 312 and the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be maximized to reduce potential interference.


The nozzle cap 150 can comprise a battery pack 360, a processing printed circuit board (“PCB”) 362, and a vibration sensor 380 disposed within the cavity 310. The processing PCB 362 can be attached to a mounting bracket 364 which can be secured within the cavity 310 by a pair of fasteners 366. The vibration sensor 380 can be attached to the circumferential wall 312 within the cavity 310, and the vibration sensor 380 can extend radially inward towards the cap axis 201 (shown extending out of the page).


The battery pack 360, the processing PCB 362, the vibration sensor 380, and the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can all be connected in electrical communication. The vibration sensor 380 can be configured to detect leaks within the fluid system (not shown) by monitoring vibrations travelling up the stand pipe 198 (shown in FIG. 1) and through the fire hydrant 110 (shown in FIG. 1) when the nozzle cap 150 is mounted on the nozzle 140a (shown in FIG. 1). Vibration patterns within the fluid system can indicate the presence of leaks within the fluid system. The vibration sensor 380 can produce voltage readings when the vibration sensor 380 experiences vibrations. These voltage readings can be processed by the processing PCB 362 to determine whether leaks are present, and a signal can be transmitted outwards from the nozzle cap 150 with the antenna PCB strips 320a,b to convey whether leaks have been identified within the fluid system.



FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap 150 of FIG. 1 with the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2), and the cavity gasket 314 (shown in FIG. 3) removed. As shown, each of the antenna covers 318a,b can comprise an inner layer 422a,b, respectively, and an outer layer 424a,b, respectively. The inner layers 422a,b can define a wide U-shape which can be shaped complimentary to the spacer strips 326a,b as illustrated in FIG. 5. The outer layers 424a,b can respectively define the inner cover surfaces 322a,b (as shown below in FIG. 8), and the outer layers 424a,b can define the outer cover surfaces 218a,b, respectively. The inner cover surfaces 322a,b can be defined opposite from the outer cover surfaces 218a,b. Each antenna cover 318a,b can comprise a pair of pin guides 426a-d, and the pin guides 426a-d can be positioned between the adjacent inner layers 422a,b and outer layers 424a,b, respectively. The antenna PCB strips 320a,b can extend between the respective pin guides 426a-d and outer layers 424a,b.


A pin 428a-d can extend through each of the pin guides 426a-d, and the pins 428a-d can be attached to the respective bottom shelves 240a,b. The antenna covers 318a,b can slide axially with respect to the cap axis 201 along the pins 428a-d to install or remove the antenna covers 318a,b from the cap body 210. When the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2) is attached to the first body end 212, the antenna covers 318a,b can be axially secured between the cap cover 280 and the bottom shelves 240a,b, thereby preventing removal of the antenna covers 318a,b from the cap body 210. Additionally, the cap cover 280 can fully enclose the antenna cavities 324a,b proximate to the first body end 212.


The antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be connected to the processing PCB 362 by wires passing through wire ports 450a-c (wire port 450c shown in FIG. 8) can be exposed. In the present aspect, the wires can be coaxial cable feedlines. The wire ports 450a-c can extend through the circumferential wall 312 from the respective antenna cavity 324a,b to the cavity 310. Each of the wire ports 450a-c can be sealed with a plug 452a-c (plug 452c shown in FIG. 8), respectively. The plugs 452a-c can be split plugs configured to accommodate a wire (not shown) of the respective antenna PCB strip 320a,b. The wires of the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can extend through the plugs 452a-c and through the wire ports 450a-c into the cavity 310 to connect the antenna PCB strips 320a,b to the processing PCB 362. The plugs 452a-c can seal the wire ports 450a-c around the wires. In the present aspect, the plugs 452a-c can primarily serve as a temporary sealing mechanism for when the potting is poured into the antenna cavities 324a,b, respectively. Once the potting has cured within the antenna cavities 324a,b, each antenna cavity 324a,b can be fully sealed against the elements, dirt, water, or any other foreign matter.



FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap 150 with the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2), the cavity gasket 314 (shown in FIG. 3), the antenna PCB strips 320a,b (shown in FIG. 3), the coaxial cable feedlines, and the antenna covers 318a,b (shown in FIG. 3) removed. With the antenna PCB strips 320a,b and the antenna covers 318a,b removed, the wire ports 450a,b and plugs 452,a,b can be exposed. As shown, each of the bottom shelves 240a,b can each respectively define a lower shelf surface 540a,b and an upper shelf surface 542a,b positioned above the lower shelf surface 540a,b. In the present aspect, each spacer strip 326a,b can rest upon the respective upper shelf surface 542a,b. As described above, the spacer strips 326a,b can define a wide U-shape wherein opposing ends 526a-d of each respective spacer strip 326a,b extend upwards towards the first body end 212.


The cap body 210 can define pin holes 528b-d corresponding to pins 428b-d. A pin hole corresponding to pin 428a can also be defined but is not shown in the present view; however, pin holes 528b-d can be representative of the pin hole of pin 528a. The pin holes 528b-d can extend axially downward into the upper shelf surface 542a,b and towards the second body end 214 relative to the cap axis 201, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The pins 428b-d can be received within the pin holes 528b-d, and the pins 428b-d can be aligned substantially parallel to the cap axis 201.


The cap body 210 can also define a threaded bore 580 which can extend through the circumferential wall 312 substantially perpendicular to the cap axis 201. A threaded end 780 (shown in FIG. 7) of the vibration sensor 380 can threadedly engage the threaded bore 580 to attach the vibration sensor 380 to the circumferential wall 312 within the cavity 310.



FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the nozzle cap 150 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the nozzle cap 150 of FIG. 1, each shown with the cap cover 280 (shown in FIG. 2), the cavity gasket 314 (shown in FIG. 3), the antenna PCB strips 320a,b (shown in FIG. 3), the spacer strips 326a,b (shown in FIG. 3), the plugs 452a-c (plugs 452a,b shown in FIG. 4, plug 452c shown in FIG. 8), the pins 428a-d, and the antenna covers 318a,b (shown in FIG. 3) removed. With the pins 428a-d removed, the pin holes 528b-d are shown exposed in FIG. 6. As previously described, the pin holes 528b-d can extend axially downwards, relative to the cap axis 201, into the respective bottom shelves 240a,b of the cap body 210 from the upper shelf surfaces 542a,b towards the second body end 214. In other aspects, the pin holes 528b-d can extend axially downwards into the respective bottom shelves 240a,b of the cap body 210 from the lower shelf surfaces 540a,b towards the second body end 214. In other aspects, the pin holes 528b-d can be threaded, and the pins 428a-d can be replaced by fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which can secure the antenna covers 318a,b to the cap body 210. With the plugs 452a-c removed, the wire ports 450a-c (wire port 450c and plug 452c shown in FIG. 8) can be open and unobstructed. As demonstrated by wire port 450a in FIG. 7, each of the wire ports 450a-c can extend through the circumferential wall 312 to the cavity 310. As further shown in FIG. 7, the threaded bore 580 can extend through the circumferential wall 312, and the threaded bore 580 can receive the threaded end 780 of the vibration sensor 380 to secure the vibration sensor 380 to the circumferential wall 312.



FIG. 8 is a front exploded view of the cap body 210, the plugs 452a-c, the pins 428a-d, the spacer strips 326a,b, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b, and the antenna covers 318a,b of the aspect of FIG. 2. The cap body 210, the pins 428a-d, the spacer strips 326a,b, and the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be translated along the cap axis 201. The plugs 452a-c can be translated radially outward from their respective wire ports 450a-c relative to the cap axis 201. The coaxial cable feedlines for the antenna PCB strips 320a,b are not shown.


As previously described and demonstrated by the inner layer 422a of the antenna cover 318a, the inner layers 422a,b can be shaped complimentarily to the respective spacer strips 326a,b. Additionally, circumferential lengths of the antenna covers 318a,b, spacer strips 326a,b, and antenna PCB strips 320a,b can correspond to the circumferential length of the respective external scallop 316a,b. In the present aspects, the external scallop 316a, the antenna cover 318a, the antenna PCB strip 320a, and the spacer strip 326a can each define a longer circumferential length than the respective external scallop 316b, the antenna cover 318b, the antenna PCB strip 320b, and the spacer strip 326b. In other aspects, the external scallops 316a,b, the antenna covers 318a,b, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b, and the spacer strip 326a,b can be equal in circumferential length.


As previously described, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be configured to attach to the inner cover surfaces 322a,b within the respective covers 318a,b and between the respective inner layers 422a,b and outer layers 424a,b. The antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be flexible PCBs, and when the antenna PCB strips 320a,b are attached to the inner cover surfaces 322a,b, each antenna PCB strip 320a,b can be shaped as a frustum section. In other aspects, the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be shaped as cylindrical sections when attached to the inner cover surfaces 322a,b.


The antenna PCB strips 320a,b can each comprise one or more antennas, as shown and further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 9-12. For example and without limitation, antenna PCB strip 320a can comprise two separate antennas, and a wire (shown in FIG. 4) attached to the first antenna can extend through the wire port 450a while a wire (shown in FIG. 4) attached to the second antenna can extend through the wire port 450c to attach the antenna PCB strip in electrical communication with the processing PCB 362 (shown in FIG. 3). Antenna PCB strip 320b can comprise a third antenna with a wire (shown in FIG. 4) extending through the wire port 450b to attach the antenna PCB strip in electrical communication with the processing PCB 362. In the present aspect, the antennas can be different types of antennas configured to wirelessly transmit over different frequency ranges. By separating the antenna PCB strips 320a,b into the separate external scallops 316a,b, interference between the antennas of the antenna PCB strips 320a,b can be reduced. By reducing interference, the separate antenna PCB strips 320a,b can offer improved performance in range and signal clarity. In other aspects, the nozzle cap 150 can comprise more than two antenna PCB strips 320a,b, and the cap body 210 can define more than two external scallops 316a,b.



FIGS. 9-12 show front views of variations of an antenna PCB strip 920 which can be representative of either or both of the antenna PCB strips 320a,b. In the aspects shown, the antenna PCB strips 920 can each comprise one antenna 910,1010,1110,1210 which can be printed on the antenna PCB strip 920. In the present aspect, the antenna PCB strips 920 can be flexible PCBs. In the aspect shown in FIG. 9, the antenna 910 can be a Global System for Mobile communication (“GSM”) antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal over GSM frequency bands. In the aspect shown in FIG. 10, the antenna 1010 can be an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (“AMI”) antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal over AMI frequency bands. In the aspect shown in FIG. 11, the antenna 1110 can be a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal over GPS frequency bands. In the aspect shown in FIG. 12, the antenna 1210 can be a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal over NFC frequency bands. In other aspects, the antenna PCB strip 920 can comprise one or more antennas configured to wirelessly transmit over any frequency band or range.


The antenna PCB strips 920 can define an arched shape in the present aspect; and the antenna PCB strips 920 can be curved to conform to a curvature of the inner cover surfaces 322a,b (shown in FIG. 8). Once secured to the inner cover surfaces 322a,b, the antenna PCB strips 920 can take the shape of a frustum section wherein the bottom edge and the top edge can lie in substantially parallel planes. When installed, the bottom edge can lie flat against the respective bottom cover surfaces 333a,b (shown in FIG. 3) in the present aspect.


One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.


It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims
  • 1. A nozzle cap comprising: a cap body defining a first body end and a second body end, the cap body defining a circumferential wall extending from the first body end towards the second body end;an antenna cover circumferentially overlapping a scalloped portion of the circumferential wall, the antenna cover defining an inner cover surface facing the circumferential wall, an antenna cavity defined between the inner cover surface and the scalloped portion of the circumferential wall; andan antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip positioned within the antenna cavity, the antenna PCB strip secured in facing engagement with the inner cover surface; andwherein: the circumferential wall defines an outer wall surface;the scalloped portion of the circumferential wall is circumferentially positioned between a first portion of the outer wall surface and a second portion of the outer wall surface;the scalloped portion extends inwards relative to the first portion and the second portion of the outer wall surface; andthe antenna cover fits within the scalloped portion.
  • 2. The nozzle cap of claim 1, further comprising a spacer strip positioned at least partially between the antenna cover and the circumferential wall, the spacer strip in facing engagement with each of the antenna cover and the circumferential wall.
  • 3. The nozzle cap of claim 2, further comprising potting, the potting filling the antenna cavity, the potting at least partially positioned between the antenna PCB strip and the circumferential wall.
  • 4. The nozzle cap of claim 1, wherein the antenna cover defines an outer cover surface, and wherein the outer cover surface is flush with the outer wall surface.
  • 5. The nozzle cap of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle cap comprises a pin;the pin is secured to the cap body within the scalloped portion; andthe pin secures the antenna cover to the cap body.
  • 6. The nozzle cap of claim 1, further comprising a cap cover attached to the first body end, the cap cover at least partially enclosing the antenna cavity.
  • 7. The nozzle cap of claim 6, wherein: the cap body defines a cap axis extending from the first body end to the second body end;the cap body defines a bottom shelf at the second body end; andthe antenna cover is axially secured between the bottom shelf and the cap cover relative to the cap axis.
  • 8. The nozzle cap of claim 1, wherein: the antenna cover is a first antenna cover;the antenna PCB strip is a first antenna PCB strip;the scalloped portion is a first scalloped portion;the antenna cavity is a first antenna cavity;the nozzle cap further comprises a second antenna cover and a second antenna PCB strip;the second antenna cover circumferentially covers a second scalloped portion of the circumferential wall; andthe second antenna PCB strip is disposed within a second antenna cavity defined between the second antenna cover and the second scalloped portion of the circumferential wall.
  • 9. The nozzle cap of claim 8, wherein: the first antenna PCB strip comprises a first antenna configured to wirelessly transmit a signal over a first frequency range;the second antenna PCB strip comprises a second antenna configured to wireless transmit a signal over a second frequency range; andthe first frequency range is different from the second frequency range.
  • 10. The nozzle cap of claim 1, wherein: the cap body defines a cavity extending inwards into the cap body from the first body end towards the second body end;the cap body defines a wire port extending through the circumferential wall to the cavity;the antenna PCB strip comprises a wire which extends through the wire port into the cavity; anda plug seals the wire port around the wire.
  • 11. The nozzle cap of claim 10, further comprising a processing printed circuit board (“PCB”) disposed within the cavity, the antenna PCB strip connected in electronic communication with the PCB, the antenna PCB strip comprising an antenna configured to transmit a signal from the processing PCB.
  • 12. The nozzle cap of claim 1, wherein the antenna PCB strip is secured to the inner cover surface with an adhesive.
  • 13. A method for installing an antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip in a nozzle cap, the method comprising: attaching the antenna PCB strip to an inner cover surface of an antenna cover;circumferentially covering a scalloped portion of a circumferential wall of a cap body of the nozzle cap with the antenna cover, the circumferential wall defining an outer wall surface and the scalloped portion, the scalloped portion being circumferentially positioned between a first portion of the outer wall surface and a second portion of the outer wall surface, the scalloped portion extending inwards relative to the first portion and the second portion of the outer wall surface, the antenna cover fitting within the scalloped portion, an antenna cavity defined between the scalloped portion of the circumferential wall and the inner cover surface of the antenna cover;filling the antenna cavity with potting; andsecuring the antenna cover to the cap body with a pin.
  • 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a spacer strip within the antenna cavity between the antenna cover and the circumferential wall.
  • 15. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the spacer strip within the antenna cavity comprises adhering the spacer strip to the antenna cover.
  • 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning the antenna PCB strip between an inner layer and an outer layer of the antenna cover.
  • 17. The method of claim 13, sealing a wire port with a plug, the wire port defined by the cap body extending through the circumferential wall, a wire of the antenna PCB strip extending through the wire port.
  • 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising at least partially enclosing the antenna cavity with a cap cover, the cap cover attached to the cap body.
  • 19. A nozzle cap comprising: a cap body defining a first body end and a second body end, the cap body defining a circumferential wall extending from the first body end towards the second body end;an antenna cover circumferentially overlapping a scalloped portion of the circumferential wall, the circumferential wall defining an outer wall surface and the scalloped portion, the scalloped portion being circumferentially positioned between a first portion of the outer wall surface and a second portion of the outer wall surface, the scalloped portion extending inwards relative to the first portion and the second portion of the outer wall surface, the antenna cover fitting within the scalloped portion, the antenna cover defining an inner cover surface facing the circumferential wall, an antenna cavity defined between the inner cover surface and the scalloped portion of the circumferential wall; andan antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip positioned within the antenna cavity, the antenna PCB strip secured in facing engagement with the inner cover surface; andwherein: the antenna cover is a first antenna cover;the antenna PCB strip is a first antenna PCB strip;the scalloped portion is a first scalloped portion;the antenna cavity is a first antenna cavity;the nozzle cap further comprises a second antenna cover and a second antenna PCB strip;the second antenna cover circumferentially covers a second scalloped portion of the circumferential wall; andthe second antenna PCB strip is disposed within a second antenna cavity defined between the second antenna cover and the second scalloped portion of the circumferential wall.
US Referenced Citations (356)
Number Name Date Kind
1738094 Caldwell Dec 1929 A
2171173 Coyer Aug 1939 A
3254528 Michael Jun 1966 A
3592967 Harris Jul 1971 A
3612922 Furnival Oct 1971 A
3662600 Rosano, Jr. et al. May 1972 A
3673856 Panigati Jul 1972 A
3731534 Painley et al. May 1973 A
3815129 Sweany Jun 1974 A
4000753 Ellis Jan 1977 A
4056970 Sollish Nov 1977 A
4083229 Anway Apr 1978 A
4333028 Panton Jun 1982 A
4431873 Dunn et al. Feb 1984 A
4462249 Adams Jul 1984 A
4467236 Kolm et al. Aug 1984 A
4543817 Sugiyama Oct 1985 A
4796466 Farmer Jan 1989 A
4844396 Norton Jul 1989 A
4893679 Martin et al. Jan 1990 A
4930358 Motegi et al. Jun 1990 A
4984498 Fishman Jan 1991 A
5038614 Bseisu Aug 1991 A
5052215 Lewis Oct 1991 A
5078006 Maresca et al. Jan 1992 A
5085082 Cantor et al. Feb 1992 A
5090234 Maresca et al. Feb 1992 A
5117676 Chang Jun 1992 A
5118464 Richardson et al. Jun 1992 A
5163314 Maresca et al. Nov 1992 A
5165280 Sternberg et al. Nov 1992 A
5170657 Maresca et al. Dec 1992 A
5174155 Sugimoto Dec 1992 A
5187973 Kunze et al. Feb 1993 A
5189904 Maresca et al. Mar 1993 A
5201226 John et al. Apr 1993 A
5203202 Spencer Apr 1993 A
5205173 Allen Apr 1993 A
5209125 Kalinoski et al. May 1993 A
5218859 Stenstrom et al. Jun 1993 A
5243862 Latimer Sep 1993 A
5254944 Holmes et al. Oct 1993 A
5272646 Farmer Dec 1993 A
5279160 Koch Jan 1994 A
5287884 Cohen Feb 1994 A
5298894 Cerny et al. Mar 1994 A
5301985 Terzini Apr 1994 A
5303592 Livingston Apr 1994 A
5319956 Bogle et al. Jun 1994 A
5333501 Okada et al. Aug 1994 A
5335547 Nakajima et al. Aug 1994 A
5343737 Baumoel Sep 1994 A
5349568 Kupperman et al. Sep 1994 A
5351655 Nuspl Oct 1994 A
5361636 Farstad et al. Nov 1994 A
5367911 Jewell et al. Nov 1994 A
5385049 Hunt et al. Jan 1995 A
5396800 Drinon et al. Mar 1995 A
5408883 Clark et al. Apr 1995 A
5416724 Savic May 1995 A
5461906 Bogle et al. Oct 1995 A
5519184 Umlas May 1996 A
5526691 Latimer et al. Jun 1996 A
5531099 Russo Jul 1996 A
5548530 Baumoel Aug 1996 A
5581037 Kwun et al. Dec 1996 A
5591912 Spisak et al. Jan 1997 A
5602327 Torizuka et al. Feb 1997 A
5611948 Hawkins Mar 1997 A
5619423 Scrantz Apr 1997 A
5623203 Hosohara et al. Apr 1997 A
5633467 Paulson May 1997 A
5639958 Lange Jun 1997 A
5655561 Wendel et al. Aug 1997 A
5686828 Peterman et al. Nov 1997 A
5708211 Jepson et al. Jan 1998 A
5746611 Brown May 1998 A
5754101 Tsunetomi et al. May 1998 A
5760306 Wyatt et al. Jun 1998 A
5789720 Lagally et al. Aug 1998 A
5798457 Paulson Aug 1998 A
5838633 Sinha Nov 1998 A
5866820 Camplin et al. Feb 1999 A
5892163 Johnson Apr 1999 A
5898412 Jones Apr 1999 A
5907100 Cook May 1999 A
5965818 Wang Oct 1999 A
5970434 Brophy et al. Oct 1999 A
5974862 Lander Nov 1999 A
5987990 Worthington et al. Nov 1999 A
6000277 Smith Dec 1999 A
6000288 Kwun et al. Dec 1999 A
6003376 Burns et al. Dec 1999 A
6023986 Smith et al. Feb 2000 A
6035717 Carodiskey Mar 2000 A
6058957 Honigsbaum May 2000 A
6076407 Levesque et al. Jun 2000 A
6082193 Paulson Jul 2000 A
6089253 Stehling Jul 2000 A
6102444 Kozey Aug 2000 A
6104349 Cohen Aug 2000 A
6125703 MacLauchlan et al. Oct 2000 A
6127823 Atherton Oct 2000 A
6127987 Maruyama et al. Oct 2000 A
6133885 Luniak et al. Oct 2000 A
6138512 Roberts Oct 2000 A
6138514 Iwamoto et al. Oct 2000 A
6164137 Hancock et al. Dec 2000 A
6170334 Paulson Jan 2001 B1
6175380 Van Den Bosch Jan 2001 B1
6181294 Porter et al. Jan 2001 B1
6192352 Alouani et al. Feb 2001 B1
6243657 Tuck et al. Jun 2001 B1
6267000 Harper et al. Jul 2001 B1
6276213 Lee et al. Aug 2001 B1
6296066 Terry Oct 2001 B1
6343510 Neeson et al. Feb 2002 B1
6363788 Gorman et al. Apr 2002 B1
6389881 Yang et al. May 2002 B1
6401525 Jamieson Jun 2002 B1
6404343 Andou et al. Jun 2002 B1
6442999 Baumoel Sep 2002 B1
6450542 McCue Sep 2002 B1
6453247 Hunaidi Sep 2002 B1
6470749 Han et al. Oct 2002 B1
6530263 Chana Mar 2003 B1
6561032 Hunaidi May 2003 B1
6567006 Lander et al. May 2003 B1
6578422 Lam et al. Jun 2003 B2
6595038 Williams et al. Jul 2003 B2
6606059 Barabash Aug 2003 B1
6624628 Kwun et al. Sep 2003 B1
6639562 Suganthan et al. Oct 2003 B2
6647762 Roy Nov 2003 B1
6651503 Bazarov et al. Nov 2003 B2
6666095 Thomas et al. Dec 2003 B2
6667709 Hansen et al. Dec 2003 B1
6707762 Goodman et al. Mar 2004 B1
6710600 Kopecki et al. Mar 2004 B1
6725705 Huebler et al. Apr 2004 B1
6734674 Struse May 2004 B1
6745136 Lam et al. Jun 2004 B2
6751560 Tingley et al. Jun 2004 B1
6763730 Wray Jul 2004 B1
6772636 Lam et al. Aug 2004 B2
6772637 Bazarov et al. Aug 2004 B2
6772638 Matney et al. Aug 2004 B2
6781369 Paulson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6782751 Linares et al. Aug 2004 B2
6789427 Batzinger et al. Sep 2004 B2
6791318 Paulson et al. Sep 2004 B2
6799455 Neefeldt et al. Oct 2004 B1
6799466 Chinn Oct 2004 B2
6813949 Masaniello et al. Nov 2004 B2
6813950 Glascock et al. Nov 2004 B2
6816072 Zoratti Nov 2004 B2
6820016 Brown et al. Nov 2004 B2
6822742 Kalayeh et al. Nov 2004 B1
6843131 Graff et al. Jan 2005 B2
6848313 Krieg et al. Feb 2005 B2
6851319 Ziola et al. Feb 2005 B2
6889703 Bond May 2005 B2
6904818 Harthorn et al. Jun 2005 B2
6912472 Mizushina et al. Jun 2005 B2
6920792 Flora et al. Jul 2005 B2
6931931 Graff et al. Aug 2005 B2
6935178 Prause Aug 2005 B2
6945113 Siverling et al. Sep 2005 B2
6957157 Lander Oct 2005 B2
6968727 Kwun et al. Nov 2005 B2
6978832 Gardner et al. Dec 2005 B2
7051577 Komninos May 2006 B2
7080557 Adnan Jul 2006 B2
7109929 Ryken, Jr. Sep 2006 B1
7111516 Bazarov et al. Sep 2006 B2
7140253 Merki et al. Nov 2006 B2
7143659 Stout et al. Dec 2006 B2
7171854 Nagashima et al. Feb 2007 B2
7231331 Davis Jun 2007 B2
7234355 Dewangan et al. Jun 2007 B2
7240574 Sapelnikov Jul 2007 B2
7255007 Messer et al. Aug 2007 B2
7261002 Gysling et al. Aug 2007 B1
7266992 Shamout et al. Sep 2007 B2
7274996 Lapinski Sep 2007 B2
7284433 Mes et al. Oct 2007 B2
7293461 Girndt Nov 2007 B1
7299697 Siddu et al. Nov 2007 B2
7310877 Cao et al. Dec 2007 B2
7328618 Hunaidi Feb 2008 B2
7331215 Bond Feb 2008 B2
7356444 Blemel Apr 2008 B2
7360462 Nozaki et al. Apr 2008 B2
7373808 Zanker et al. May 2008 B2
7380466 Deeg Jun 2008 B2
7383721 Parsons et al. Jun 2008 B2
7392709 Eckert Jul 2008 B2
7405391 Ogisu et al. Jul 2008 B2
7412882 Lazar et al. Aug 2008 B2
7412890 Johnson et al. Aug 2008 B1
7414395 Gao et al. Aug 2008 B2
7426879 Nozaki et al. Sep 2008 B2
7458267 McCoy Dec 2008 B2
7475596 Hunaidi et al. Jan 2009 B2
7493817 Germata Feb 2009 B2
7523666 Thompson et al. Apr 2009 B2
7526944 Sabata et al. May 2009 B2
7530270 Nozaki et al. May 2009 B2
7543500 Litzenberg et al. Jun 2009 B2
7554345 Vokey Jun 2009 B2
7564540 Paulson Jul 2009 B2
7587942 Smith et al. Sep 2009 B2
7590496 Blemel Sep 2009 B2
7596458 Lander Sep 2009 B2
7607351 Allison et al. Oct 2009 B2
7623427 Jann et al. Nov 2009 B2
7647829 Junker et al. Jan 2010 B2
7650790 Wright Jan 2010 B2
7657403 Stripf et al. Feb 2010 B2
7668670 Lander Feb 2010 B2
7680625 Trowbridge et al. Mar 2010 B2
7690258 Minagi et al. Apr 2010 B2
7694564 Brignac et al. Apr 2010 B2
7696940 MacDonald Apr 2010 B1
7711217 Takahashi et al. May 2010 B2
7751989 Owens et al. Jul 2010 B2
7810378 Hunaidi et al. Oct 2010 B2
8319508 Vokey Nov 2012 B2
8353309 Embry et al. Jan 2013 B1
8614745 Al Azemi Dec 2013 B1
8657021 Preta Feb 2014 B1
8668206 Ball Mar 2014 B2
8674830 Lanham et al. Mar 2014 B2
8823509 Hyland et al. Sep 2014 B2
8843241 Saberi et al. Sep 2014 B2
8931505 Hyland et al. Jan 2015 B2
9053519 Scolnicov et al. Jun 2015 B2
9291520 Fleury, Jr. et al. Mar 2016 B2
9315973 Varman et al. Apr 2016 B2
9496943 Parish et al. Nov 2016 B2
9528903 Zusman Dec 2016 B2
9562623 Clark Feb 2017 B2
9593999 Fleury Mar 2017 B2
9772250 Richarz et al. Sep 2017 B2
9780433 Schwengler et al. Oct 2017 B2
9799204 Hyland et al. Oct 2017 B2
9849322 Hyland et al. Dec 2017 B2
9861848 Hyland et al. Jan 2018 B2
9970805 Cole et al. May 2018 B2
10175135 Dintakurt et al. Jan 2019 B2
10283857 Ortiz et al. May 2019 B2
10305178 Gibson et al. May 2019 B2
10317384 Morrow et al. Jun 2019 B2
10386257 Fleury, Jr. et al. Aug 2019 B2
10857403 Hyland et al. Dec 2020 B2
10859462 Gibson et al. Dec 2020 B2
10881888 Hyland et al. Jan 2021 B2
11047761 Frackelton et al. Jun 2021 B1
11067464 Moreno et al. Jul 2021 B2
20010045129 Williams et al. Nov 2001 A1
20020043549 Taylor et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020124633 Yang Sep 2002 A1
20020159584 Sindalovsky et al. Oct 2002 A1
20030107485 Zoratti Jun 2003 A1
20030150488 Fleury, Jr. et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030193193 Harrington et al. Oct 2003 A1
20040129312 Cuzzo et al. Jul 2004 A1
20040173006 McCoy et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040187922 Fleury, Jr. et al. Sep 2004 A1
20040201215 Steingass Oct 2004 A1
20050005680 Anderson Jan 2005 A1
20050067022 Istre Mar 2005 A1
20050072214 Cooper Apr 2005 A1
20050121880 Santangelo Jun 2005 A1
20050153586 Girinon Jul 2005 A1
20050279169 Lander Dec 2005 A1
20060174707 Zhang Aug 2006 A1
20060201550 Blyth et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060283251 Hunaidi Dec 2006 A1
20060284784 Smith Dec 2006 A1
20070044552 Huang Mar 2007 A1
20070051187 McDearmon Mar 2007 A1
20070113618 Yokoi et al. May 2007 A1
20070130317 Lander Jun 2007 A1
20070295406 German et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080078567 Miller et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080079640 Yang Apr 2008 A1
20080168840 Seeley et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080189056 Heidl et al. Aug 2008 A1
20080238711 Payne Oct 2008 A1
20080281534 Hurley Nov 2008 A1
20080307623 Furukawa Dec 2008 A1
20080314122 Hunaidi Dec 2008 A1
20090044628 Lotscher Feb 2009 A1
20090133887 Garcia May 2009 A1
20090139336 Trowbridge, Jr. et al. Jun 2009 A1
20090182099 Noro et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090214941 Buck et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090278293 Yoshinaka et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090301571 Ruhs Dec 2009 A1
20100077234 Das Mar 2010 A1
20100156632 Hyland et al. Jun 2010 A1
20100259461 Eisenbeis et al. Oct 2010 A1
20100290201 Takeuchi et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100295672 Hyland Nov 2010 A1
20110063172 Podduturi Mar 2011 A1
20110066297 Saberi Mar 2011 A1
20110079402 Darby et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110102281 Su May 2011 A1
20110162463 Allen Jul 2011 A1
20110308638 Hyland Dec 2011 A1
20120007743 Solomon Jan 2012 A1
20120007744 Pal et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120169560 Lee et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120296580 Barkay Nov 2012 A1
20120324985 Gu et al. Dec 2012 A1
20130036796 Fleury, Jr. Feb 2013 A1
20130041601 Dintakurti et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130049968 Fleury, Jr. Feb 2013 A1
20130145826 Richarz et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130211797 Scolnicov Aug 2013 A1
20130229262 Bellows Sep 2013 A1
20130298664 Gillette, II et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130321231 Flores-Cuadras Dec 2013 A1
20140206210 Ritner Jul 2014 A1
20140225787 Ramachandran Aug 2014 A1
20140373941 Varman Dec 2014 A1
20150070221 Schwengler et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150082868 Hyland Mar 2015 A1
20150128714 Moss May 2015 A1
20160001114 Hyland Jan 2016 A1
20160013565 Ortiz Jan 2016 A1
20160018283 Fleury Jan 2016 A1
20160097696 Zusman Apr 2016 A1
20170072238 Silvers et al. Mar 2017 A1
20170121949 Fleury May 2017 A1
20170237158 Gibson Aug 2017 A1
20170237165 Ortiz Aug 2017 A1
20180080849 Showcatally et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180093117 Hyland Apr 2018 A1
20180224349 Fleury, Jr. et al. Aug 2018 A1
20190024352 Ozburn Jan 2019 A1
20190214717 Gibson et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190214718 Ortiz et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190316983 Fleury, Jr. et al. Oct 2019 A1
20200069987 Hyland et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200072697 Gibson et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200232863 Moreno et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200232864 Moreno et al. Jul 2020 A1
20200378859 Gibson et al. Dec 2020 A1
20210023408 Hyland Jan 2021 A1
20210041323 Gibson et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210247261 Gibson et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210249765 Ortiz et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210355661 Gibson et al. Nov 2021 A1
20220082467 Fleury, Jr. et al. Mar 2022 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (66)
Number Date Country
2011265675 May 2015 AU
2015202550 Nov 2017 AU
2017248541 Mar 2019 AU
2154433 Jan 1997 CA
2397174 Aug 2008 CA
2634739 Jun 2015 CA
3010333 Jul 2020 CA
2766850 Aug 2020 CA
3023529 Aug 2020 CA
3070690 Nov 2020 CA
2842042 Jan 2021 CA
3057167 Mar 2021 CA
3057202 May 2021 CA
3060512 Jun 2021 CA
3010345 Jul 2021 CA
1831478 Jun 2013 CN
4211038 Oct 1993 DE
19757581 Jul 1998 DE
0711986 May 1996 EP
1052492 Nov 2000 EP
1077370 Feb 2001 EP
1077371 Feb 2001 EP
3293315 Mar 2018 EP
2439990 May 1980 FR
2250820 Jun 1992 GB
2269900 Feb 1994 GB
2367362 Apr 2002 GB
2421311 Jun 2006 GB
2550908 Dec 2017 GB
59170739 Sep 1984 JP
60111132 Jun 1985 JP
08250777 Sep 1996 JP
H10-2744 Jan 1998 JP
11201859 Jul 1999 JP
H11210028 Aug 1999 JP
2000131179 May 2000 JP
2002206965 Jul 2002 JP
2002310840 Oct 2002 JP
3595856 Dec 2004 JP
2005315663 Nov 2005 JP
2005321935 Nov 2005 JP
2006062414 Mar 2006 JP
2006062716 Mar 2006 JP
2007047139 Feb 2007 JP
2010068017 Mar 2010 JP
2013528732 Jul 2013 JP
H5654124 Nov 2017 JP
101785664 Nov 2017 KR
9850771 Nov 1998 WO
0151904 Jul 2001 WO
03049528 Jun 2003 WO
2004073115 Aug 2004 WO
2008047159 Apr 2008 WO
2009057214 May 2009 WO
2010135587 Nov 2010 WO
2011021039 Feb 2011 WO
2011058561 May 2011 WO
2011159403 Dec 2011 WO
2012000088 Jan 2012 WO
2012153147 Nov 2012 WO
2013025526 Feb 2013 WO
2014016625 Jan 2014 WO
2017139029 Aug 2017 WO
2017139030 Aug 2017 WO
2020050946 Mar 2020 WO
2021231163 Nov 2021 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (201)
Entry
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/255,795, filed Sep. 2, 2016, dated Feb. 23, 2018, 86 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/067692, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Aug. 23, 2018, 9 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/067692, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Mar. 2, 2017,10 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; U.S. Provisional Application entitled: Nozzle Cap Multi-Band Antenna Assembly having U.S. Appl. No. 62/294,973, filed Feb. 12, 2016, 54 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Jul. 10, 2019, 74 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Corrected Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/401,457, filed Jan. 9, 2017, dated Jun. 26, 2019, 55 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/675,507, filed Nov. 6, 2019, dated Jan. 28, 2020, 18 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,023,529, filed May 5, 2011, dated Nov. 26, 2019, 4 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 2,842,042, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Dec. 5. 82019, 3 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,010,333, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Dec. 6, 2019, 4 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,010,345, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Dec. 16, 2019, 4 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US19/45451, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Feb. 3, 2020, 11 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian application No. 3,057,202, filed Oct. 1, 2019, dated Dec. 19, 2019, 3 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E., Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jul. 31, 2013; 57 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Feb. 20, 2014; 29 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Dec. 23, 2014, 1 pg.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jun. 5, 2014, 29 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Sep. 11, 2014, 11 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 13/101,235, filed May 5, 2011, dated Nov. 25, 2014, 5 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Jun. 30, 2016, 24 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Jan. 19, 2016, 101 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Jul. 17, 2017, 14 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Decision from Post-Prosecution Pilot Program (P3) Conference for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Sep. 14, 2016, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Oct. 20, 2017, 11 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Dec. 20, 2017, 1 pg.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Apr. 19, 2017, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Nov. 8, 2016, 48 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/557,754, filed Dec. 2, 2014, dated Apr. 5, 2017, 23 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Dec. 13, 2016, 52 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Sep. 6, 2017, 12 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Nov. 27, 2017, 6 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Sep. 19, 2017, 8 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Jun. 7, 2017, 25 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Mar. 4, 2016, 94 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Aug. 19, 2016; 20 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Nov. 5, 2014, 30 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Advisory Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jul. 9, 2014, 3 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Mar. 12, 2014; 19 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Mar. 2, 2016, 1 pg.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 12, 2013; 37 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Feb. 2, 2016, 9 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated May 12, 2015, 9 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,790, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 23, 2015, 11 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary for U.S. Appl. No. 14/870,070, filed Sep. 30, 2015, dated Feb. 28, 2018, 4 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/870,070, filed Sep. 30, 2015, dated Dec. 29, 2017, 24 pgs.
Fleury, Leo; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/870,070, filed Sep. 30, 2015, dated Jun. 21, 2017, 88 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Corrected Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Aug. 29, 2017, 6 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Oct. 20, 2014, 17 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 10, 2015, 20 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 8, 2016, 36 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 6, 2017, 1 pg.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Nov. 6, 2013, 39 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jun. 4, 2014, 24 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Feb. 27, 2015, 15 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jun. 13, 2017, 31 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Restriction Requirement for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 27, 2013; 5 pgs.
Richarz, Werner Guenther; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,792, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Mar. 8, 2016, 27 pgs.
Chou, et al.; Article entitled: “Non-invasive Acceleration-based Methodology for Damage Detection and Assessment of Water Distribution System”, Mar. 2010, 17 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Oct. 18, 2017, 38 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Nov. 8, 2016, 31 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jun. 22, 2018, 39 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Mar. 16, 2017, 30 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated May 17, 2016, 48 pgs.
Antenna. Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2014 [retrieved on Jun. 1, 2014]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antenna>, 1 pg.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 14/848,676, filed Sep. 9, 2015, dated Dec. 6, 2017, 1 pg.
“Non-Patent Literature Murata (entitled ““Piezoelectric Sounds Components””), accessed at http://web.archive.org/web/20030806141815/http://www.murata.com/catalog/p37e17.pdf, archived on Aug. 6, 2003.”, 39 pgs.
“Non-Patent Literature NerdKits, accessed at http://web.archive.org/web/20090510051850/http://www.nerdkits.com/videos/sound_meter/, archived on May 10, 2009.”, 6 pgs.
“Non-Patent Literature Bimorph (entitled ““Bimoprh actuators””), accessed at http://web.archive.org/web/20080122050424/http://www.elpapiezo.ru/eng/curve_e.shtml, archived on Jan. 22, 2008.”, 3 pgs.
J.A. Gallego-Juarez, G. Rodriguez-Corral and L. Gaete-Garreton, An ultrasonic transducer for high power applications in gases, Nov. 1978, Ultrasonics, published by IPC Business Press, p. 267-271.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jan. 11, 2018, 38 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jan. 16, 2015, 60 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Feb. 22, 2017; 1 page.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Corrected Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Feb. 14, 2017; 8 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Nov. 22, 2016; 8 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowability for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Oct. 24, 2016, 13 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 21, 2016, 18 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Mar. 1, 2016, 42 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Advisory Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 9, 2015, 3 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated May 22, 2015, 28 pgs.
Non-Patent Literature “Radiodetection Water Leak Detection Products”, 2008, Radiodetection Ltd.—SPX Corporation, 12 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Oct. 21, 2014, 37 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Advisory Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Jun. 18, 2014, 4 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Apr. 23, 2014, 19 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,795, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 23, 2013; 35 pgs.
Hyland; International Preliminary Report on Patentability for serial No. PCT/US2011/035374, filed May 5, 2011, dated Dec. 19, 2012; 5 pgs.
Hyland; International Search Report and Written Opinion for serial No. PCT/US2011/035374, filed May 5, 2011, dated Sep. 13, 2011; 7 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Office Action for Canadian application No. 2,766,850, filed May 5, 2011, dated Aug. 16, 2018, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E..; Office Action for Canadian Patent Application No. 2,766,850, filed May 5, 2011, dated Mar. 13, 2017, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Mexico Office Action for serial No. MX/a/2012/000347, filed May 5, 2011, dated Dec. 13, 2016, 5 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Mexico Office Action for serial No. MX/a/2012/000347, filed May 5, 2011, dated Aug. 31, 2016, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Mexico Office Action for serial No. MX/a/2012/000347, filed May 5, 2011, dated May 30, 2016, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Office Action for European patent application No. 11796120.1, filed May 5, 2011, dated Feb. 9, 2018, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory; Extended European Search Report for serial No. 11796120.1, filed May 5, 2011, dated Nov. 4, 2016, 8 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Australian Patent Examination Report for serial No. 2011265675, filed Jan. 21, 2012, dated Oct. 1, 2014, 3 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Japanese Office Action for serial No. 2013515338, filed Jan. 30, 2012, dated Jun. 10, 2014, 8 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Japanese Office Action for serial No. 2014-234642, filed May 5, 2011, dated Nov. 4, 2015,9 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Japanese Office Action for serial No. 2014-234642, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jul. 7, 2015, 9 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Australian Examination Report for Serial No. 2015202550, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jul. 5, 2017, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Australian Examination Report for Serial No. 2015202550, filed May 5, 2011, dated May 16, 2017, 5 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Australian Examination Report for serial No. 2015202550, filed May 5, 2011, dated Feb. 9, 2017, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Australian Examination Report for serial No. 2015202550, filed May 5, 2011, dated Aug. 12, 2016, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Office Action for Mexico Patent Application No. MX/a/2017/006090, filed May 5, 2011, dated Sep. 26, 2018, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Examination Report for Australian patent application No. 2017248541, filed Oct. 20, 2017, dated Apr. 20, 2018, 5 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; International Preliminary Report on Patentability for serial No. PCT/US12/50390 filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Feb. 18, 2014, 14 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; International Search Report and Written Opinion for serial No. PCT/US12/50390 filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Dec. 17, 2012, 18 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W.; European Search Report for Serial No. 12823594, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Dec. 21, 2017, 4 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W.; European Search Report for Serial No. 12823594, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated May 10, 2017, 4 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W.; European Search Report for serial No. 12823594, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Jun. 8, 2015, 11 pgs.
Fleury, et al.; Supplemental European Search Report for application No. 12823594.2, filed Aug. 20, 2012, dated Feb. 18, 2015, 6 pgs.
Fleury, Leo W.; Office Action for Canadian application No. 2,842,042, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Apr. 24, 2018, 3 pgs.
Hyland; U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled: Infrastructure Monitoring Devices, Systems, and Methods, having U.S. Appl. No. 61/355,468, filed Jun. 16, 2010.
Fleury, Leo W., U.S. Provisional Patent Application Entitled: Hydrant Leak Detector Communication Device, System, and Method under U.S. Appl. No. 61/523,274, filed Aug. 12, 2011; 35 pgs.
Hunaidi, Osama; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 11/766,288, filed Jun. 21, 2007, dated Sep. 22, 2010, 1 pg.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Dec. 17, 2019, 23 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Invitation to Pay Additional Fees for PCT/US19/45451, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Oct. 10, 2019, 2 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,057,167, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Nov. 19, 2019, 7 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Jun. 11, 2020, 33 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated May 27, 2020, 23 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Requirement for Restriction/Election for U.S. Appl. No. 16/121,136, filed Sep. 14, 2018, dated May 7, 2020, 5 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,057,167, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated May 25, 2020, 3 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian application No. 3,057,202, filed Oct. 1, 2019, dated Apr. 2, 2020, 4 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/121,136, filed Sep. 4, 2018, dated Jun. 22, 2020, 94 pgs.
Keefe, Robert Paul, Office Action for Canadian application No. 3,060,512, filed May 5, 2011, dated Apr. 22, 2020, 5 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian application No. 3,057,202, filed Oct. 1, 2019, dated Aug. 31, 2020, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Oct. 28, 2020, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Oct. 9, 2020, 4 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/675,507, filed Nov. 6, 2019, dated Oct. 23, 2020, 16 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/675,507, filed Nov. 6, 2019, dated Nov. 10, 2020, 4 pgs.
Keefe, Robert Paul, Office Action for Canadian application No. 3,060,512, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jul. 13, 2020, 6 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Corrected Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/121,136, filed Sep. 4, 2018, dated Nov. 9, 2020, 6 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/121,136, filed Sep. 4, 2018, dated Sep. 29, 2020, 15 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,057,224, filed Oct. 1, 2019, dated Nov. 10, 2020, 4 pgs.
Hunaidi, Osama; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 11/766,288, filed Jun. 21, 2007, dated Jun. 24, 2010, 8 pgs.
Hunaidi, Osama; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 11/766,288, filed Jun. 21, 2007, dated Jan. 20, 2010, 50 pgs.
Hunaidi, Osama; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 09/482,317, filed Jan. 14, 2000, dated May 13, 2002, 4 pgs.
Hunaidi, Osama; Non-final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 09/482,317, filed Jan. 14, 2000, dated Dec. 17, 2001, 6 pgs.
Peter, Russo Anthony; European Search Report for Patent Application No. EP95307807, filed Nov. 1, 1995, dated Jul. 22, 1998, 5 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/043,057, filed Feb. 12, 2016, dated Feb. 19, 2019, 8 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/043,057, filed Feb. 12, 2016, dated Dec. 12, 2018, 25 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/043,057, filed Feb. 12, 2016, dated Jun. 4, 2018, 94 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/067689, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Aug. 23, 2018, 8 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge; International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US16/67689, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Mar. 8, 2017, 9 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/255,795, filed Sep. 2, 2016, dated Jan. 17, 2019, 17 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/255,795, filed Sep. 2, 2016, dated Aug. 31, 2018, 33 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Aug. 21, 2020, 9 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/675,507, filed Nov. 6, 2019, dated Jun. 26, 2020, 70 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Corrected Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Dec. 6, 2018, 6 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/043,057, filed Feb. 12, 2016, dated Mar. 13, 2019, 6 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Sep. 24, 2018, 21 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/401,457, filed Jan. 9, 2017, dated Apr. 16, 2019, 88 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 15/043,057, filed Feb. 12, 2016, dated Apr. 17, 2019, 1 pg.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Corrected Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/255,795, filed Sep. 2, 2016, dated Mar. 21, 2019, 6 pgs.
Dintakurti, Ganapathi Deva Varma; Issue Notification for U.S. Appl. No. 13/492,794, filed Jun. 8, 2012, dated Dec. 19, 2018, 1 pg.
Fleury, Leo W.; Office Action for Canadian application No. 2,842,042, filed Aug. 10, 2012, dated Feb. 28, 2019, 3 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Feb. 19, 2020, 29 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,070,690, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Mar. 10, 2020, 3 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Extended European Search Report for 16890115.5, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Jan. 24, 2020, 10 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Sep. 25, 2019, 92 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 2,766,850, filed May 5, 2011, dated Jun. 19, 2019, 4 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Extended European Search Report for serial No. 16890114.8, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Sep. 26, 2019, 11 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Supplemental Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/817,172, filed Nov. 18, 2017, dated Dec. 7, 2020, 4 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Nov. 25, 2020, 37 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/352,045, filed Mar. 13, 2019, dated Nov. 25, 2020, 106 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,010,345, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Oct. 6, 2020, 4 pgs.
Fleury, Jr., Leo W.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Mar. 24, 2021, 32 pgs.
Fleuryjr., Leo W.; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Aug. 27, 2021, 30 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/354,939, filed Mar. 15, 2019, dated Aug. 10, 2021, 126 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/352,045, filed Mar. 13, 2019, dated Aug. 13, 2021, 20 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/079,642, filed Oct. 26, 2020, dated Aug. 30, 2021, 84 pgs.
ABT, Inc., Installation Instructions Belleville Washer springs (Year: 2014), 1 pg.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/428,744, filed May 31, 2019, dated Aug. 2, 2021, 121 pgs.
QRFS, Storz FDCs and fire Hydrant Storz connections: Adapters or integral Storz, Mar. 2019 (Year: 2019), 21 pgs.
Speacialinsert, Inserts for plastic (Year: 2016), 36 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Sep. 2, 2021, 82 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl; Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 3,057,224, filed Oct. 1, 2019, dated Jun. 23, 2021, 4 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,181, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Sep. 16, 2021, 82 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Office Action for European patent application No. 16890114.8, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Oct. 4, 2021, 7 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Extended European Search Report for application No. 21180958.7, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Oct. 5, 2021, 8 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT Application No. PCT/US21/31033, filed May 6, 2021, dated Sep. 24, 2021, 12 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Requirement for Restriction/Election for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,181, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Jul. 22, 2021, 6 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/352,045, filed Mar. 13, 2019, dated May 4, 2021, 33 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Invitation to Pay Additional Fees for PCT/US21/31033, filed May 6, 2021, dated Jul. 15, 2021, 2 pgs.
Fleury Jr., Leo W., Advisory Action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/939,942, filed Mar. 29, 2018, dated Dec. 7, 2021, 2 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,181, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Dec. 7, 2021, 28 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,095,465, filed Dec. 20, 2016, dated Nov. 8, 2021, 4 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/352,045, filed Mar. 13, 2019, dated Dec. 1, 2021, 24 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Dec. 2, 2021, 2 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Oct. 25, 2021, 27 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/079,642, filed Oct. 26, 2020, dated Dec. 14, 2021, 17 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary for U.S. Appl. No. 17/079,642, filed Oct. 26, 2020, dated Feb. 9, 2022, 2 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Jan. 14, 2022, 27 pgs.
Hyland, Gregory E.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/071,632, filed Oct. 15, 2020, dated Mar. 30, 2022, 89 pgs.
Fleury, Jr.; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/453,318, filed Jun. 26, 2019, dated Mar. 2. 2022, 129 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 16/354,939, filed Mar. 15, 2019, dated Mar. 17, 2022, 40 pgs.
Ortiz, Jorge Isaac; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,181, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Mar. 7, 2022, 13 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 17/079,642, filed Oct. 26, 2020, dated Mar. 1, 2022, 11 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 16/428,744, filed May 31, 2019, dated Mar. 16, 2022, 34 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Applicant-Initated Interview Summary for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Mar. 8, 2022, 2 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 17/245,419, filed Apr. 30, 2021, dated Apr. 8, 2022, 31 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Office Action for Canadian patent application No. 3,105,683, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Mar. 8, 2022, 4 pgs.
Gibson, Daryl Lee; Extended European Search Report for application No. 19857477.4, filed Aug. 7, 2019, dated Apr. 5, 2022, 7 pgs.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20200212549 A1 Jul 2020 US