Register guard for protecting an encoder-type register of a water meter

Abstract

Disclosed is a water meter to be coupled to a water source and having a register to receive and store information concerning the volume of water flowing through the water meter. The register has an encoder to generate RF signals corresponding to the information received and an antenna to transmit the RF signals to a remote data collection and billing site. A register guard is detachably connected to the water meter to enclose and protect the register, the encoder, and the antenna from unauthorized access, damage and theft. An RF filter having RF signal escape holes formed therein extends across and covers the top of the register guard so that the RF signals are directed vertically upward and outwardly therefrom, while limiting the level of potentially harmful radiation being transmitted from the antenna into the atmosphere.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.