Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02668088 2014-04-11
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING
SIGNALS TO AN APPLIANCE
Field of the Invention
100021 The field of the invention relates to transmitters and, more
specifically, to the
actuation of appliances using transmitters.
Background
[00031 Various types of appliances are utilized in today's homes and
businesses. For
example, doorbells, intercoms, lights, fans, alarm systems, and moveable
barrier operators
are only a few examples of such appliances in use today. To activate or
control the operation
of an appliance, some type of actuator is typically used. For instance, a
switch may be
actuated by a user in order to activate a light or a doorbell button may be
pressed by a user to
cause doorbell chimes associated with the button to sound. In some examples,
the actuator
may be hard-wired to the appliance. In other cases, the actuator may be
associated with a
wireless transmitter. When a wireless actuator is actuated, a radio frequency
(RF) signal is
formed and then transmitted via an antenna to the appliance. The appliance
receives the RF
signal and activates the appliance according to the RF signal.
[0004] Wireless systems have proved to be convenient for many users, for
example,
avoiding the need to re-wire existing systems. Unfortunately, wireless systems
also have
experienced various problems that often limited their use and/or
effectiveness. More
specifically, wireless systems are often attached to the exterior walls of
buildings. The walls
themselves are constructed of materials such as stucco (that include a
metallic mesh), or are
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surrounded by steel or aluminum siding all of which interfere with and/or
absorb wireless
signals intended to be sent from the wireless transmitters to the appliance.
Wireless
doorbells or chimes are a good example of the later problem where signals
transmitted by
wireless doorbell buttons (attached to the exterior walls of buildings) often
could not be
received and/or were interfered with by the constructional composition and/or
structure of
the walls to which they were attached. Hence, these signals could not be
received by the
chime unit, or if they were received, were unusable by the chime unit due to
degradation in
signal quality.
[0005] Moreover, with respect to wireless door chimes, transmitters and
batteries
required for the chimes created a unit with less than ideal aesthetics. These
items extended
out from an outside wall as opposed to being nearly flush or co-planar with
the planar surface
of an outside wall. The outwardly extended portion of the doorbell button unit
created a less
than desired aesthetic unit when installed.
[0006] As a result of the above-mentioned problems, wireless signals sent
by wireless
actuators which were intended to activate and/or control an appliance often
were not received
by the appliance. Units also were created with less than desired
attractiveness to consumers.
These problems have led to user inconvenience and frustration with these
previous systems.
Summary
[0007] An apparatus and method are provided whereby portions of a
wireless
transmitter apparatus are arranged and situated so as to ensure that the
wireless signals
transmitted by the apparatus will be received by a remotely situated appliance
and received
in a form that is usable by the appliance. More specifically, an antenna of
the apparatus is
disposed so as to avoid the interference of structural elements of buildings.
In this regard
and to take one example, an opening (e.g., hole) can be formed (e.g., drilled)
in a structural
element (e.g., wall) of the building, and the antenna extended into or through
the opening.
Consequently, a transmission from the apparatus to an appliance occurs without
the
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interference of the structural element of the building and the signal will be
received in a form
usable by the appliance. The approaches described herein are easy to use, are
aesthetically
pleasing, can be retrofitted with existing buildings and appliances, and are
easy and cost
effective to implement.
[0008] The apparatus and method described herein include a transmitter
apparatus
effective for activating a remotely situated appliance. The transmitter
apparatus includes a
transmitter actuator and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The radio
frequency (RF)
transmitter includes RF transmission circuitry and an antenna. The RF
transmitter is
configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured
to receive an
actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to
the RF
transmitter circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to
a remotely
situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the
structural element of
the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through
the opening. The
antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference
or absorption
from the structural element of the building.
100091 In some of these examples, the RF transmitter further includes a
power source
and the power source is disposed so as to be accessible to the user without
removing the RF
transmitter from its mounted position.
[0010] The antenna can be also structured in any number of ways. For
example, the
antenna may be a wire or a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Other examples
of
antennas are possible. When a wire is used, the length (or other
characteristics) of the wire
may be selected so that the wire extends through the opening and, hence,
beyond the
structural element of the building.
100111 In still others of these examples, the transmitter may include a
housing with
the antenna being disposed within the housing. In some examples, the housing
is generally
cylindrical in shape.
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[0012] Further. the transmitter and transmitter circuitry may be secured
to various
structural elements of buildings according to the present approaches. For
example, the
transmitter may be secured to exterior walls, interior walls, or barriers
(e.g., doors). Other
structural elements may also be used.
[0013] The remotely situated appliance may also be a variety of different
devices.
For example, the remotely situated appliance may be a doorbell, a light; an
intercom, a fan,
an alarm system, a moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling
shutter, a hot
tub, a fireplace, a television, or a video source. Other examples of
appliances are possible.
[0014] The transmitter may be coupled to a number of different actuators.
For
example, one or more buttons may be included. In some examples, the one or
more buttons
are illuminated.
[0015] In others of these approaches, a transmitter is mounted to an
exterior surface of
a building and the transmitter including the transmission circuitry and the
antenna. An
opening is formed in the building and the opening extends at least partially
through a
structural element of the building. The antenna is disposed within the
opening. The
transmitter may be actuated and responsively transmit a radio frequency (RE)
signal to the
remotely situated appliance via the antenna. The signal being transmitted to
the appliance is
received at the appliance without significant interference or absorption from
the structural
element of the building.
[0016] The opening may be formed according to a variety of different
approaches.
For example, the opening may be a variety of dimensions, shapes, and sizes, in
one example
passing completely through a wall of the building. In other examples, the
opening may only
pass partially through the wall. In still other examples, the opening is a
preexisting opening
in the wall and no new opening need be created.
[0017] In some examples, the opening extends completely through the
structural
element of the building and the antenna is disposed so as to completely pass
through the
opening. In other examples, the hole may extend completely through the
structural element,
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but the antenna may extend only partially through. In still other examples,
both the opening
and the antenna extend only partially through the structural element of the
building.
[0018] Thus, approaches are provided where wireless transmitters can be
successfully
used to activate or otherwise control appliances. These approaches minimize or
eliminate the
impact of the construction, configuration, or other characteristics of
building elements or
other potential interference sources. The approaches described herein are easy
and cost
effective to implement, aesthetically pleasing, and result in the effective
operation and/or
control of appliances for the user. Consequently, user satisfaction with
systems that
implement these approaches is significantly enhanced.
[0018.1] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance,
the apparatus
comprising a radio frequency (RF) transmitter which includes radio
transmission circuitry
and an antenna operably coupled to the transmission circuitry; a rigid housing
comprising a
rigid material, the housing configured to hold the transmission circuitry and
the antenna, the
housing including a battery mounting device to hold a battery to power the RF
transmitter; an
actuator operably coupled to the transmitter to effect operation of the
transmitter, the housing
configured to hold the actuator so that it is operably coupled to the
transmitter, the RF
transmitter and the housing configured to be mounted to a mounting surface
having an RF
interfering material associated therewith, the transmitter configured to
receive via the
actuator an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a RF signal to a
remotely situated
appliance, the antenna being disposed within the rigid housing which is
configured to be
disposed within an opening in the mounting surface, the housing and the
antenna having
dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening to extend
into the mounting
surface sufficiently such that the antenna extends beyond the RF interfering
material, the
antenna transmitting the signal to the appliance to effect control of
operation of the appliance
without significant interference or absorption from the mounting surface.
[0018.2] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a
method of installing a transmitter apparatus that actuates a remotely situated
appliance, the
method comprising mounting a transmitter to a mounting surface of a building,
the
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transmitter including an actuator, RF transmission circuitry, and an antenna;
inserting a
portion of the transmitter into an opening in the building, the opening
extending at least
partially through a structural element of the building, the structural element
having an RF
interfering material associated therewith, the opening extending at least
partially beyond the
RF interfering material associated with the structural element; and wherein
the mounting the
transmitter comprises inserting a housing supporting the antenna at least
partially through the
opening and past the RF interfering material associated with the structural
element relative to
the actuator.
[0018.3] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a
transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance,
the apparatus
comprising an actuator configured to be mounted on a mounting surface of a
building; a
radio frequency (RF) transmitter apparatus, the RF transmitter apparatus
electrically
connected to the actuator and configured to be mounted to the mounting surface
of the
building and further configured to receive an actuation by a user acting on
the actuator to
wirelessly transmit a RF signal, the RF transmitter apparatus comprising a
housing which
includes a housing portion, the housing configured to be mounted on the
mounting surface of
the building; RF transmission circuitry within the housing; a power source
compartment
configured to be accessible to a user without removing the RF transmitter
apparatus from a
mounted position on the mounting surface of the building; and an antenna
disposed in the
housing portion, the housing portion comprising a rigid material, the housing
portion
configured to structurally support at least a portion of the antenna generally
orthogonal to the
mounting surface, the antenna being electrically coupled to the RF
transmission circuitry, the
antenna being arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely
situated
appliance, the antenna configured within the housing portion so as to extend
through the
housing portion and an opening in the mounting surface of the building, the
antenna
transmitting the RF signal to the appliance to effect control of the operation
of the appliance
without significant interference or absorption from the mounting surface of
the building.
[0018.4] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a transmission apparatus comprising an actuator for receiving a user
activation; and
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a radio frequency (RF) transmitter for activating a remotely situated
appliance in response to
the user activation, the RF transmitter mountable to a mounting wall with a
metal structure
incorporated therein, the RF transmitter having an antenna structurally
supported within a
housing, the antenna and the housing configured to be disposed within an
opening at least
partially through the mounting wall and past the metal structure of the
mounting wall relative
to the actuator; and transmission circuitry electrically connecting the
actuator, a power
source, and the antenna.
10018.51 In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a method of installing a transmission apparatus onto a mounting wall
having a
metal structure incorporated therein, the method comprising forming an opening
in the
mounting wall, the opening extending beyond the metal structure incorporated
into the
mounting wall; and mounting a transmission apparatus to the mounting wall, the
transmission apparatus comprising an actuator, a radio frequency (RF)
transmitter, and an
antenna structurally supported in a housing; wherein mounting the transmission
apparatus
includes disposing at least a portion of the antenna into the opening in the
mounting wall
beyond the metal structure incorporated into the mounting wall and disposing
the actuator on
a side of the metal structure opposite a portion of the antenna that extends
beyond the metal
structure.
10018.61 In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention,
there is
provided a transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated
appliance, the
apparatus comprising a radio frequency (RF) transmitter comprising radio
transmission
circuitry and an antenna operably coupled to the transmission circuitry; a
housing with at
least one housing wall, the antenna being disposed within the housing and the
housing
configured to retain the antenna generally orthogonal to the at least one
housing wall; an
actuator operably coupled to the RF transmitter to effect operation of the
transmitter in
response to actuation of the actuator; the RF transmitter and the housing
configured to be
mounted to a mounting wall having an RF interfering material associated
therewith, the
transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit an RF signal to a remotely
situated appliance in
response to actuation of the actuator, the antenna being enclosed within the
mounting wall
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and a portion of the antenna extending into the mounting wall sufficiently
such that the
antenna extends beyond the RF interfering material, the antenna configured to
transmit the
signal to the appliance to effect control of operation of the appliance
without significant
interference or absorption from the mounting wall.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] FIG. 1 comprises a side view of a wireless transmission system
according to
an embodiment the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 comprises a side view of a wireless transmission system
according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 comprises a perspective view of a wireless transmission
system
mounted to a structural element of a building according to an embodiment of
the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view of a wireless transmission
system
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 5 comprises a perspective view of a wireless transmission
system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For
example, the
dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures
may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of
various
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embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood
elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to
facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present
invention. It
will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described
or depicted in a
particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand
that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be
understood that
the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded
to such
terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of
inquiry and
study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.
Description
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, one example of a wireless transmission
system is
described. A transmitter 104 is reactively coupled to an actuator 102 to
provide a transmitter
apparatus 101. In this example, the actuator 102 is a button. In other
examples, the actuator
102 may be a switch, keypad, or rotating wheel. Other examples of actuators
are possible.
In addition, there may also be more than one actuator 102 (e.g.. multiple
buttons). In other
examples, the actuator 102 may be illuminated by a light or other arrangement
disposed
within the actuator 102 or the transmitter 104. A decorative plate (not shown)
may also
surround the actuator 102.
[0026] An antenna 106 is coupled to the rear of the transmitter 104.
Radio frequency
(RF) signals are transmitted from the antenna to an appliance 110. The signals
are received
by the appliance 110 and may activate and/or otherwise control the operation
of the
appliance 110.
100271 The antenna 106 may be any antenna structure capable of
transmitting radio
frequency (RF) signals. In one example, the antenna is a stiff or semi-stiff
wire. In other
examples, the antenna may be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Other
examples of
antenna structures are possible.
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[0028] The appliance 110 may be a variety of type of devices. For
example, the
appliance may be a doorbell (or chime), a light, an intercom, a fan, an alarm
system. a
moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling shutter, a hot tub, a
fireplace, a
television, or a video source. Other examples of appliances are possible. The
appliance 110
is remotely situated from the actuator 102, transmitter 104, and antenna 106.
That is, the
appliance 110 is not coextensive with these elements and is within range of
signals
transmitted from the antenna 106.
[0029] As shown, an opening 107 extends completely through a structural
element 108 of a building. The structural element 108 may be any structural
component of a
building such as an external wall, an internal wall, or a barrier (e.g., door,
gate, or the like).
Other examples of structural elements are possible. The opening 107 may be
formed in any
number of ways. For example, a standard drill using a standard drill bit may
be used to form
the opening (e.g., a hole one inch or less in diameter). Other approaches for
forming the
opening are possible. In some cases, the opening may be an existing opening.
[0030] Additionally, the antenna 106 may be enclosed in a housing (not
shown in
FIG. 1). In some examples, the housing may be cylindrical in shape and sized
to fit into the
opening 107. For instance, when a housing is used, the housing may fit in the
hole created
by standard sized drill bits. In some cases, the housing advantageously allows
the antenna to
be placed into and/or through the opening 107 without snagging the antenna
106.
100311 The transmitter 104 may include circuitry 105 to receive an
actuation from the
actuator 102 and convert the actuation into a signal for transmission via the
antenna 106.
The transmitter 104 and transmitter circuitry 105 are secured to the
structural element 108
and the antenna 106 is disposed within the opening 107 (e.g., a drilled hole)
in the structural
element 108 of a building. In so doing, any interference or absorption of RF
signals
transmitted by the antenna 106 caused by the structural element 108 of the
building (or items
attached to or associated with the structural element 108) is substantially
reduced or
eliminated. In other words, this configuration allows a signal of sufficient
quality (e.g.,
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having a sufficient power level or other operating characteristics) to be
received and
recognized by the appliance 110.
100321 The transmitter 104 may further include and is coupled to a power
source 114.
In some examples, the power source 114 is a battery. The power source 114 is
disposed so
as to be accessible to the user without removing the transmitter 104 from its
mounted
position. For example, the power source 114 may be accessed by a removable
cover. In
other examples, the power source 114 is only accessible by the transmitter
from its mounted
position. For example, the whole of the transmitter 104 may need to be removed
before the
power source 114 can be accessed.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, another example of a wireless
transmission system is
described. A transmitter 204 including circuitry 205 and antenna 206 are
coupled to
actuator 202. In this example, the actuator 202 is a button. In other
examples, the
actuator 202 may be a switch, keypad, or rotating wheel. Other examples of
actuators are
possible. In addition, there may also be more than one actuator 202 (e.g.,
multiple buttons).
In other examples, the actuator 202 may be illuminated by a light or other
arrangement
disposed within the actuator 202 or the transmitter 204. A decorative plate
(not shown) may
also surround the actuator 202.
[0034] An antenna 206 is coupled to the rear of the transmitter circuitry
205. Signals
are transmitted from the antenna to an appliance 210. Radio frequency (RF)
signals are
received by the appliance 210 and may activate and/or otherwise control the
operation of the
appliance 210.
[0035] The antenna 206 may be any antenna structure capable of
transmitting radio
frequency (RF) signals. In one example, the antenna is a stiff or semi-stiff
wire. In other
examples. the antenna may be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Other
examples of
antenna structures are possible.
[0036] The appliance 210 may be a variety of type of devices. For example,
the
appliance may be a doorbell (or chime), an intercom, a light, a fan, an alarm
system, a
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moveable barrier operator, a window treatment, a rolling shutter, a hot tub, a
fireplace, a
television, or a video source. Other examples of appliances are possible. The
appliance 210
is remotely situated from the actuator 202. transmitter 204, and antenna 206.
That is, the
appliance 210 is not coextensive with these elements and is within range of
signals
transmitted from the antenna 206.
100371 As shown, an opening 207 extends partially through a structural
element 208
of a building. The structural element 208 may be any structural component of a
building
such as an external wall, an internal wall, or a barrier (e.g., door, gate, or
the like). Other
examples of structural elements are possible. The opening 207 may be formed in
any
number of ways. For example, a standard drill using a standard drill bit may
be used to form
the opening (e.g., hole one inch or less in diameter). Other approaches for
forming the
opening are possible. In some cases, the opening may be an existing opening.
[0038] Additionally, the antenna 206 may be enclosed in a housing (not
shown in
FIG. 2). In some examples, the housing may be cylindrical or rectangular, or
other shape
which is sized to fit into the opening 207. For instance, when a housing is
used, the housing
may fit in the hole created by standard sized drill bits. In some cases, the
housing
advantageously allows the antenna to be placed into and/or through the opening
207 without
snagging the antenna 206.
100391 The transmitter 204 includes circuitry 205 to receive an actuation
from the
actuator 202 and convert the actuation into a signal for transmission via the
antenna 206.
The transmitter 204 is secured to the structural element 208 and the antenna
206 is disposed
within the opening 207 (e.g., a drilled hole) in the structural element 208 of
a building. In
this example, the antenna 206 does not extend completely through the
structural element 208.
However, in this example this placement is acceptable due to the construction
and structure
of the structural element 208. For instance, steel or aluminum siding may be
present on only
one side of the structural element 208 and once the antenna 206 extends beyond
this siding,
any interference or absorption problems are significantly reduced or
eliminated. In other
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words, a signal of sufficient quality (e.g., having a sufficient power level
or other operating
characteristics) is received and recognized.
[00401 The transmitter 204 is coupled to a power source 214. In some
examples. the
power source 214 is a battery. The power source 214 is disposed so as to be
accessible to the
user without removing the transmitter 204 from its mounted position. For
example, the
power source 214 may be accessed by a removable cover. In other examples, the
power
source 214 is only accessible by the transmitter from its mounted position.
For example, the
whole of the transmitter 204 may need to be removed before the power source
214 can be
accessed.
100411 Referring now to FIG. 3, the placement of a wireless transmission
system is
described. In this example, the transmitter apparatus which includes
transmitter 302 (with an
actuator 304) is attached to the surface of a wall 306. An antenna of the
transmitter (not
shown) extends through a hole in the wall 306 to the other side of the wall
306. In so doing.
any interference or absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna caused
by the wall or
items attached to or associated with the wall or structural element (e.g.,
siding, other
electronic devices) is substantially reduced or eliminated.
100421 Referring now to FIG. 4, an example of a wireless transmission
system is
described. A transmitter 402 includes an actuator 406 and an antenna 404. In
this example.
the antenna 404 is a wire. The transmitter 402 includes circuitry to receive
an actuation from
the actuator 406 and convert the actuation into a signal for transmission via
the antenna 404.
A removable cover 407 is removed to access a power source (e.g., a battery).
100431 The transmitter 402 is secured to a wall and the antenna 404 is
disposed within
an opening (e.g., a drilled hole) in a structural element (e.g., a wall) of a
building. In some
examples, the opening extends completely through the structural element and
the wire is of
suitable length so as to extend completely through and out of the opening. In
so doing, any
interference or absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna 404 caused
by the
structural element of the building (or items attached to or associated with
the structural
element) is substantially reduced or eliminated.
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[0044] Referring now to FIG. 5, another example of a transmission system
is
described. A transmitter apparatus includes transmitter 502 with its circuitry
(not shown), an
antenna and an actuator 506. In this example, the antenna 504 is a wire. The
antenna 504 is
housed in a housing 505. The housing is constructed of a suitable material
such as a rigid
plastic that does not interfere with or minimally interferes with
transmissions made via the
antenna 504. A removable cover 507 is removed to access a power source (e.g.,
a battery).
In some examples. the housing 505 is cylindrically shaped and fits within a
predrilled hole in
the structural element (e.g., wall) of a building. The dimensions of the
housing (e.g., its
diameter) in some examples are such that it fits within a hole drilled with
standard drill bits.
In some instances, the housing 505 may advantageously be inserted into the
drilled hole
without having the antenna 504 snag on or otherwise be encumbered by the sides
of the hole.
[0045] The transmitter 502 includes circuitry to receive an actuation
from the
actuator 506 and convert the actuation into a signal for transmission via the
antenna 504.
The transmitter 502 is secured to a wall and the antenna 504 is disposed
within an opening
(e.g., a drilled hole) in a structural element (e.g.. a wall) of a building.
In some examples, the
opening extends completely through the structural element and the wire is of
suitable length
so as to extend completely through and out of the opening. In so doing, any
interference or
absorption of RF signals transmitted by the antenna 504 caused by the
structural element of
the building (or items attached to or associated with the structural element)
is substantially
reduced or eliminated.
[0046] Thus. approaches are provided whereby portions of a wireless
transmitter are
arranged and situated so as to ensure that the wireless signals transmitted by
the transmitter
will be received by an appliance intended to receive the wireless signals.
More specifically,
an antenna portion of the transmitter is disposed so as to avoid, reduce, or
eliminate the
interference of structural elements of buildings. The approaches described
herein are easy to
use, can be retrofitted with existing buildings and appliances, and are easy
and cost effective
to implement.
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100471 Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of
modifications,
alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described
embodiments
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such
modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of
the invention.
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