Invented by Jonathan J. Vermes, Thomas Schwengler, CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC

The market for radiating closures has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by increasing demand for innovative packaging solutions in various industries. Radiating closures, also known as radiation closures or radiation caps, are a type of closure system that utilizes radiation technology to provide enhanced sealing and tamper-evident features. One of the key factors driving the growth of the radiating closures market is the increasing need for product safety and security. With the rise in counterfeit products and tampering incidents, manufacturers across industries are seeking advanced closure systems that can provide reliable protection and ensure the integrity of their products. Radiating closures offer a unique solution by utilizing radiation technology to create a hermetic seal that is difficult to tamper with or replicate. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the major sectors driving the demand for radiating closures. With the stringent regulations and quality standards in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring the safety and integrity of medications is of utmost importance. Radiating closures provide an effective solution by offering a tamper-evident seal that can detect any unauthorized access or tampering attempts. Additionally, these closures can also provide protection against moisture, oxygen, and other external factors that can compromise the quality and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. Another industry that is contributing to the growth of the radiating closures market is the food and beverage sector. As consumers become more conscious about food safety and quality, manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced packaging solutions to meet these demands. Radiating closures offer a reliable solution by providing an airtight seal that can prevent contamination and preserve the freshness of food and beverages. Furthermore, these closures can also be designed to incorporate features such as child-resistant caps, ensuring the safety of consumers, especially in the case of products that are potentially harmful if ingested. The cosmetics and personal care industry is also witnessing a growing demand for radiating closures. With the increasing popularity of premium and luxury beauty products, manufacturers are looking for packaging solutions that not only provide an attractive appearance but also offer enhanced protection and functionality. Radiating closures can provide a high-end look and feel while ensuring the integrity of the product inside. Additionally, these closures can also incorporate features such as dropper caps or spray pumps, adding convenience and ease of use for consumers. In terms of geographical distribution, the market for radiating closures is witnessing significant growth in both developed and emerging economies. North America and Europe are the leading regions in terms of market share, driven by the presence of established pharmaceutical and food industries. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America are also witnessing a surge in demand for radiating closures, fueled by the growing middle-class population and increasing disposable income. In conclusion, the market for radiating closures is experiencing steady growth, driven by the need for enhanced product safety and security across various industries. With their tamper-evident features and ability to provide a hermetic seal, radiating closures offer a reliable solution for manufacturers looking to protect their products and ensure consumer satisfaction. As the demand for innovative packaging solutions continues to rise, the market for radiating closures is expected to witness further expansion in the coming years.

The CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC invention works as follows

Novel tools, techniques, and methods are provided to implement telecommunications signals relays. More specifically, they relate to methods, systems and apparatuses that can be used for the implementation of telecommunications signals relays using radiant closures (aerial, underground, or buried). Or similar. In different embodiments, the signal distribution system that might be located within a radiation closure might receive a communication signal. The wireless transceiver may send the first communication signal via wireless channels to devices external to the radiation closure. In some embodiments antennas (which could be first antennas within the radiating enclosure or second antennas embedded into a housing material or both) might direct the first communication signal sent by the wireless transceiver towards the one or multiple devices. In some cases IoT sensors can be integrated into the radiating enclosure.

Background for Radiating closures

The conventional closures that are available today, although they include aerial, below-grade, and buried options, do not seem to allow wireless transmission via antennas embedded in their shells or housings. The conventional closures do not seem to use low spectrum signals or/and higher gain via multiple antennas. Nor do they appear to have IoT sensors embedded within them.

The need for robust and scalable solutions to implement telecommunications signals relays is evident. This includes methods, systems and apparatuses used for the implementation of telecommunications signals relays using at least one type of radiating closing, such as aerial, below-grade, or buried.

Overview

The invention provides tools and techniques to implement telecommunications signals relays. This includes, but is not limited to, methods, systems and apparatuses used for the implementation of telecommunications signals relays using at least one type of radiating closing, such as aerial, below-grade, or buried.

In various embodiments, the signal distribution system could be located within a radiation closure and receive a communication signal. The wireless transceiver may send the first communication signal via one or multiple wireless channels to one or several devices external to the radiation closure. In some embodiments antennas (which could be first antennas within the radiating enclosure or second antennas embedded into a housing material or both) might direct the first communication signal that is sent via the one of more wireless communications channels from the wireless transmitter to one or multiple devices. IoT sensors can be implemented within the radiant closure in some cases.

Accordingly, some embodiments provide a physical closing that combines several unique advantages. The closure may be aerial, directly buried or below ground. Closure material may contain embedded antenna material designed to radiate around the closure in a certain direction or all directions. Wireless communication systems use signal lines conveniently located in the closures (e.g. fiber, copper or coax). Optionally, line powering. The embodiments described can be used to achieve three main purposes. The main objective is to provide wireless connectivity?mobile or fixed, cellular or broadband?to a specific area. (similar to the detailed description in the ‘665 application (which has been incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, for all purposes), that covered a variety of buildings and structures, including pedestals, cabinet, but not closings. The closure is a great place to install the wireless distribution system, as it can be installed aerially, directly buried or below ground, up to the property of the customer (such as their front yard). Second, the closure’s material and structure can be used as an antenna support. The closures are typically made from plastic, aluminum or other metals. Combining that shell material with different antenna designs like microstrip patches can be a cost-effective manufacturing method. Thirdly, the closure can also contain sensors or Internet of Things devices. The third purpose is that the closure may also contain sensors or other Internet of Things (?IoT?) devices.

In some embodiments, for example, antenna structures may be used to optimize the transmission and reception wireless signals by ground-based signal distribution systems, such as, but not limited to FDHs, handholes, and/or NAPs. In certain cases, antenna structures may also be implemented in devices (e.g. wireless access point devices), which are embedded or located in apical conduit channel, as described in depth in the ‘574 application. In certain embodiments, an external antenna may be provided in a signal distribution system, which could include a container placed on a surface. The top of the container could be substantially parallel to the top of the ground surface. The antenna could be coupled via the container to at least a conduit, an optical fiber line or conductive signal lines, or an at least a power line installed in a road. In the embodiments described below with reference to the figures, antenna structures may be implemented to optimize wireless signal transmission and reception in below-grade implementations (including but not restricted to a container or closure that is placed in a handhole or manhole, and surrounded by other closures and air), or aerial implementations. The SLIC? line of aerial enclosures by 3M, or any container that can be suspended from the air, e.g. by wires, cables and support lines (utility poles), etc. are all examples. Wireless applications with such devices and systems might include, without limitation, wireless signal transmission and reception in accordance with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af standards, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, PCS, AWS, EAS, BRS, and/or the like.

According to certain embodiments, methods, apparatuses and systems could be used to distribute wireless broadband signals at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz using today’s IEEE 8002.11a/b/g/n/ac product lines. These low-profile devices may make these methods, apparatuses and systems applicable to future TV white space applications (and IEEE 802.11af). These devices may also be compatible with small cells operating at 600 MHz or 700 MHz. In certain embodiments, higher frequency can be used. For example, 60 GHz with the IEEE 802.11ad standard. The ‘574,’216,’665 applications, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety describe embodiments that utilize wireless access point based on IEEE 8002.11ad, as well as a system ground-based distribution devices with these 60 GHz access points in line of site of the customer premises. The ‘034,’574,’691,’676,’216,’665′ Applications, which have been incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, describe in detail methods for placing, powering and backhauling wireless access units utilizing a combination existing copper lines and cabinets, pedestals and hand holes, as well as new power lines and optical fiber connections.

The following detailed description illustrates some exemplary embodiments in greater detail in order to allow one skilled in the art to use such embodiments. These examples are intended only to illustrate the invention and not limit its scope.

The following description provides a detailed explanation of the various embodiments. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention can be used in other ways. Other instances show certain structures and devices in block diagrams. There are many embodiments described in this document. While different features are assigned to different embodiments of the invention, it should still be understood that features described in one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments. However, not all features or features described in any embodiment of the invention should be considered essential. Other embodiments may also include such features.

Unless otherwise stated, all numbers used in this application to express quantities, dimensions and so forth should be understood to have been modified in every instance by the term ‘about. Except where otherwise stated, the singular is used in this application. If the application is not specifically stated otherwise, the singular includes the plural. means ?and/or? Except where otherwise stated. The term?includes? is also acceptable. As well as other forms such as ‘includes,? as well as other forms, such as?includes? ?included,? should be considered non-exclusive. Terms such as “element” or “component” should be considered non-exclusive. or ?component? “Comprising both elements and parts that make up one unit as well as elements and parts that make up more than one unit, except where otherwise stated.

The method may also include directing the first communication signal that is sent, via the one or multiple wireless communications channels from the wireless transceiver, to one of more devices external to the radiation closure. The method may further include directing the first communication signal sent from the wireless transceiver via one or multiple wireless channels to one or two devices using at least one antenna embedded within the housing material of a radiating enclosure or with one or several first antennas located inside the radiant closure.

In some embodiments, it could be an aerial radiation closure, below-grade radiating enclosure, buried radiant closure or the like. Receiving the first communication signal can include receiving it via the signal distribution system through one or multiple pass-throughs on at least one wall. One or more of the signal lines could be one or multiple telecommunications, broadband-over power signal, copper cable, optical fiber, coaxial cable, etc.

According to some embodiments of this invention, directing the communication signal from the first to one or multiple devices using the wireless communications channel could include directing it in different directions with at least one of the antennas that are embedded within the housing of the radiating enclosure or one or two antennas that are disposed inside the radiating closing.

In some cases, one or two first antennas, as well as one or two second antennas, might transmit and receive wireless signals using a set protocols that includes at least one of IEEE 8002.11a or IEEE 8002.11b or IEEE 8002.11g or IEEE 8002.11n or IEEE 8002.11ac or IEEE 8002.11ad or IEEE 8002.11af and/or similar protocols. In certain cases, one or two first antennas could transmit and receive wireless signals using a protocol set that includes at least one of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System’s (UMTS) or Code Division Multiple Access’s (CDMA). In some cases, the one or more first antennas and the one or more second antennas might each transmit and receive wireless broadband signals according to a set of protocols that includes at least one of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (?UMTS? Time Division Multiple Access – (TDMA) Global System for Mobile Communication(?GSM?) Long Term Evolution(?LTE?) Personal Communications Service (PCS) Advanced Wireless Services Emergency Alert System Citizens Band Radio Service Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) or Broadband Radio Service According to some embodiments, the one or more first antennas might each comprise at least one of a plurality of lateral patch antennas, a plurality arrays of patch antennas (?BRS? In some embodiments the first antennas may each include at least one of: a plurality lateral patch arrays, a plurality micro-strip antennas or a two-dimensional (2D) antenna. According to some embodiments, the one or more first antennas might each comprise at least one of a plurality of lateral patch antennas, a plurality arrays of patch antennas (or similar), one or more micro-strip patches antennas, a two-dimensional (2D?) One or more of the plurality of lateral patch antennas, the plurality arrays of patch antennas, the one or more micro-strip patches antennas, and/or similar elements. The two-dimensional (2D) antenna, or the array of micro-strip antennas. The leaky waveguide or three-dimensional array of antenna elements, and/or the like might be made from flexible material. The flexible material may allow the micro-strip antennas to be attached, or the two-dimensional (2D) The flexible material may allow the one or more of the plurality of lateral patch antennas, arrays of patch antennas, micro-strip patch antennas, two-dimensional (2D?) The antenna array can be bent in a three-dimensional (?3D?) At least one of the first antennas or the second antennas may contain at least an active antenna element.

In some embodiments, the process may also include monitoring, using one or more Internet of Things-capable sensor devices disposed within the radiating closure, one or multiple environmental conditions both inside and outside of it; determining, with the IoT-capable sensor devices, whether one of more sensor data corresponding to monitored ones of those environmental conditions exceeds a predetermined threshold; and, based on a determination that these sensors data are above whichever predetermined threshold, autonomously sending, via machine-tomachine communications, The method may also include monitoring, using one of more Internet of Things (?IoT? One or two IoT-capable sensors may include one temperature sensor, humidity sensors or accelerometers. They could also contain one vibration sensor, chemical detector, pressure sensor, weather sensor, wind sensors or moisture sensors.

The apparatus could also include a housing, a signal distribution device, which is located within the housing and receives a communications signal. A wireless transceiver is then communicatively connected to the signal distribution, sending the communications signal via one or multiple wireless communication channels to one or several devices external to the house.

In some embodiments, an apparatus could be a radiating lid that forms a vessel. The apparatus could also be a closing that radiates and forms the lid of a container. The housing material can be made of plastic or metal in some cases. In some embodiments, an apparatus could be a radiant closure. This could be a aerial or below-grade radiating closing, a buried radiation closure and/or similar.

In some cases, receiving a first communication signal may involve receiving it via one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-four, fifty-four, fifty-five, sixty-six, or even more signal cables. In some embodiments of the invention, the direction of the first communication signal via one or multiple wireless communication channels to one or several devices includes directing it in different directions.

Merely by way of example, in some instances, the one or more first antennas and the one or more second antennas might each transmit and receive wireless broadband signals according to a set of protocols comprising at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, or IEEE 802.11af, and/or the like. In some cases, the one or more first antennas and the one or more second antennas might each transmit and receive wireless broadband signals according to a set of protocols comprising at least one of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (?UMTS? ), Code Division Multiple Access (?CDMA? ), Time Division Multiple Access (?TDMA? ), Global System for Mobile Communication (?GSM? ), Long Term Evolution (?LTE? ), Personal Communications Service (?PCS? ), Advanced Wireless Services (?AWS? ), Emergency Alert System (?EAS? ), Citizens Band Radio Service (?CBRS? ), or Broadband Radio Service (?BRS? ), and/or the like. According to some embodiments, the one or more first antennas might each comprise at least one of a plurality of lateral patch antennas, a plurality of arrays of patch antennas, one or more micro-strip patch antennas, a two-dimensional (?2D?) leaky waveguide antenna, or a three-dimensional (?3D?) array of antenna elements, and/or the like. One or more of the at least one of the plurality of lateral patch antennas, the plurality of arrays of patch antennas, the one or more micro-strip patch antennas, the two-dimensional (?2D?) leaky waveguide antenna, or the three-dimensional (?3D?) array of antenna elements, and/or the like might comprise flexible material that allows the one or more of the at least one of the plurality of lateral patch antennas, the plurality of arrays of patch antennas, the one or more micro-strip patch antennas, the two-dimensional (?2D?) leaky waveguide antenna, or the three-dimensional (?3D?) array of antenna elements, and/or the like to be bent while being disposed within the housing. In some cases, at least one of the one or more first antennas and the one or more second antennas might comprise at least one active antenna element.

In some embodiments the apparatus may also include one or more Internet of Things devices (?IoT? “In some embodiments, the apparatus might further comprise one or more Internet of Things (?IoT? One or more IoT capable sensor devices may each include one or multiple first sensors, one or several first transceivers, at least one processor and a non-transitory first computer-readable medium communicatively connected to the first processor. The first nontransitory computer-readable medium may have computer software containing a first set instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the IoT capable sensor device to monitor one of more environmental situations within and outside the apparatus, determine whether the one sensor data for the monitored environmental conditions is greater than one predetermined threshold, and autonomously transmit the one sensor data via the first transceivers, and machine-to-machine communication, to one node. The IoT-capable sensors may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten sensors.

Click here to view the patent on Google Patents.