Abstract: RF-absorber assemblies for assisting PIM hunting at cellular base station antennas. An RF-absorber panel section includes a non-absorbing spacer layer adjacent to an antenna under evaluation. An RF-absorbing layer is positioned adjacent to the non-absorbing spacer layer. A low-PIM RF-shield layer is positioned adjacent to the RF-absorbing layer, so that the RF-absorbing layer is positioned between the RF-shield layer and the non-absorbing spacer layer. RF-absorber panel assembly kits include RF-absorber panel sections that removably attach to each other and to an assembly cover, which removably attaches over a panel antenna. A cylindrical assembly for a multi-directional antennas includes tapered RF-absorber sections within a cylindrical RF-absorber. An iris allows directional PIM hunting with the cylindrical RF-absorber. A PIM hunting procedure utilizes a full-perimeter RF panel assembly for directional PIM hunting.

Abstract: A low-PIM, self-tightening cable tie anchor in which tightening the cable tie enhances the gripping force applied to the mounting structure. The grip enhancing cable tie anchor includes a pair of anchor levers connected by a fulcrum. Each anchor lever includes an interface cleat that extends above the fulcrum, a cable tie slot that extends through the interface cleat, a flange positioned below the cable tie slot, and a leg extending from the flange. Each leg includes a barb spaced apart from the flange. The flange and barb form a mounting structure slot for removably attaching the cable tie anchor to the mounting structure. The barbs are inserted through a receptacle, typically a mounting hole, on the mounting structure. The barbs capture the mounting structure, while the fulcrum and cable tie slots capture the cable tie, without the use of hands, to facilitate tightening the cable tie with both hands.

Abstract: A low-PIM dual pipe clamp and associated mounting bracket for securing a first pipe transverse to a second pipe at a cellular base station antenna site. The dual pipe clamp accommodates a range of pipe diameters with lower PIM generation, cost, and weight characteristics compared to conventional dual pipe clamps traditionally used at cell sites. The low-PIM dual pipe clamp minimizes the number of parts to upper and lower mounting brackets connected by linear threaded rod connectors, such as bolts, avoiding the use of U-bolts known to create PIM interference in conventional designs. The dual pipe clamp secures first and second pipes against each other in transverse orientations (e.g., horizontal and vertical), as typically utilized to mount antennas at cellular base stations. Each mounting bracket includes first and second pipe restrainers that bias the first and second pipes against each other as the threaded rod connectors are tightened.

Abstract: A low-PIM mounting system using cable ties or pipe clamps to alternatively secure cables and other items to poles having different diameters or flanges having different gauges at base station antenna sites. A first dual-interface mounting block includes a pole adapter, a flange adapter, and a cable hanger receptacle. A second dual-interface mounting block includes a pole adapter, a flange adapter, and a rod receptacle. A third dual-interface mounting block includes a pole adapter, a flange adapter, and a pilot hole receptacle for a self-tapping screw. A multi-function mounting block includes a mounting plate, a pole adapter, a flange adapter, cable hanger receptacles, and a rod receptacle. Each multi-function mounting system is fabricated from a low-PIM polymeric material and configured to alternatively secure cables and other items to poles of different diameters or flanges of different gauges using one or more low-PIM cable ties or pipe clamp.