US Patent 7786416 Combination conductor-antenna

A combination conductor-antenna apparatus is provided comprising a surface that defines a passage for use as a receptor for a second conductor and for use as a waveguide. The surface is at least partially formed of an electrically conductive material, thus allowing the apparatus to serve as a medium by which an electrical signal can be transferred from a second conductor. Disposed within the passage is a pickup element for sensing and/or injecting electromagnetic energy in the passage, thus allowing the apparatus to serve as a medium for wireless communications.