Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiband antenna with integrated electronics for satellite communications antenna systems is disclosed. The antenna includes a feed assembly having integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control is provided. The microwave electronics include a distributed transmitter that can include high-band and low-band transceivers. The high-band and low-band transceivers can include high-band and low-band transmitter and receiver pairs, respectively. The antenna presented enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of the high-band transceiver for skew alignment while the low-band transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A waveguide device comprises a first circular waveguide segment (CWS) that imparts a 3?/8 relative phase shift to two orthogonal linearly polarized signals, and a second CWS that imparts a ?/8 relative phase shift to two orthogonal linearly polarized signals. A waveguide assembly (WGA) comprises the first CWS disposed coaxially adjacent to the second CWS. A source may provide dual linear polarized energy into the WGA. In a first mode, the first CWS is axially orientated relative to the second CWS, such that the first CWS polarization is offset by 90° degrees with respect to the second CWS polarization. The radiation source polarization may be offset by 45° relative to the first CWS polarization and the second CWS polarization. In a second mode, the first CWS may be orientated with respect to the second CWS, such that the first CWS polarization and the second CWS polarization are substantially the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering programming content to vehicles (e.g., seagoing vessels) in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, programming content may be delivered to vehicles over previously deployed networks (e.g., satellite networks), using excess network capacity which may not otherwise be used to deliver data. By opportunistically employing excess network capacity (e.g., as the capacity becomes available), data constituting programming content may be delivered to vehicles over a period of time, such as via multicast transmission. A vehicle may store received data on one or more onboard servers. After an item of programming content has been received, the item may be made accessible to the vehicle's crew and/or passengers, such as by streaming the item to one or more suitably configured playback devices. Content may be served to playback devices “on demand” and/or according to a programming schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering programming content to vehicles (e.g., seagoing vessels) in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, programming content may be delivered to vehicles over previously deployed networks (e.g., satellite networks), using excess network capacity which may not otherwise be used to deliver data. By opportunistically employing excess network capacity (e.g., as the capacity becomes available), data constituting programming content may be delivered to vehicles over a period of time, such as via multicast transmission. A vehicle may store received data on one or more onboard servers. After an item of programming content has been received, the item may be made accessible to the vehicle's crew and/or passengers, such as by streaming the item to one or more suitably configured playback devices. Content may be served to playback devices “on demand” and/or according to a programming schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering programming content to vehicles (e.g., seagoing vessels) in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, programming content may be delivered to vehicles over previously deployed networks (e.g., satellite networks), using excess network capacity which may not otherwise be used to deliver data. By opportunistically employing excess network capacity (e.g., as the capacity becomes available), data constituting programming content may be delivered to vehicles over a period of time, such as via multicast transmission. A vehicle may store received data on one or more onboard servers. After an item of programming content has been received, the item may be made accessible to the vehicle's crew and/or passengers, such as by streaming the item to one or more suitably configured playback devices. Content may be served to playback devices “on demand” and/or according to a programming schedule.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiple frequency band antenna with integrated electronics for terrestrial terminal use in satellite communications systems includes an antenna feed having highly integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control of the polarization senses is provided. The arrangement of the integrated distributed transceiver configuration enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of a first transceiver for skew alignment while a second transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna feed assembly. The first transceiver can be a high-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports linear polarization senses, and the second transceiver can be a low-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports circular polarization senses.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering programming content to vehicles (e.g., seagoing vessels) in a cost-effective manner. In some embodiments, programming content may be delivered to vehicles over previously deployed networks (e.g., satellite networks), using excess network capacity which may not otherwise be used to deliver data. By opportunistically employing excess network capacity (e.g., as the capacity becomes available), data constituting programming content may be delivered to vehicles over a period of time, such as via multicast transmission. A vehicle may store received data on one or more onboard servers. After an item of programming content has been received, the item may be made accessible to the vehicle's crew and/or passengers, such as by streaming the item to one or more suitably configured playback devices. Content may be served to playback devices “on demand” and/or according to a programming schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector to reflect Ku and Ka frequency band signals directed by a focal region of the main reflector.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthomode transducer (OMT) device that allows for dual polarized dual frequency band antenna feed systems. The OMT device includes a waveguide structure having a first end and a second end such that the first end defines a port for receiving signals. The waveguide structure includes an outer wall defining a waveguide chamber therein and the outer wall includes a first cylindrical section proximate the first end. The waveguide structure also includes a second cylindrical section proximate the second end and a region therebetween. At least one longitudinal groove is introduced proximate the second end and extends towards the first end of the waveguide structure. The OMT device further includes at least one waveguide coupled to the outer wall of the waveguide chamber which is in signal communication with the waveguide chamber through an opening in the region of the outer wall.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiband antenna with integrated electronics for satellite communications antenna systems is disclosed. The antenna includes a feed assembly having integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control is provided. The microwave electronics include a distributed transmitter that can include high-band and low-band transceivers. The high-band and low-band transceivers can include high-band and low-band transmitter and receiver pairs, respectively. The antenna presented enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of the high-band transceiver for skew alignment while the low-band transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a satellite antenna system having a motor driven mechanism configured to rotate a feed assembly. The feed assembly includes at least one inner feed tube and at least one outer feed tube. The satellite antenna system also includes an alignment driver coupled to the feed assembly and configured to instruct the motor driven mechanism to place the feed assembly at a pre-determined alignment position. The satellite antenna system further includes a polarization phase device positioned in one of the inner feed tube and the outer feed tube. The motor driven mechanism is further configured to rotate the polarization phase device.

Abstract: A compact, agile polarization diversity, multiple frequency band antenna with integrated electronics for terrestrial terminal use in satellite communications systems is disclosed. The antenna includes an antenna feed having highly integrated microwave electronics that are mechanically and electromagnetically coupled thereto in a distributed arrangement so that diverse polarization senses having a low axial ratio and electronic switching control of the polarization senses is provided. The arrangement of the integrated distributed transceiver configuration enables the mechanical rotation of the orientation of a first transceiver for skew alignment while a second transceiver remains stationary relative to the antenna feed assembly. The first transceiver can be a high-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports linear polarization senses and the second transceiver can be a low-band transmitter and receiver pair that supports circular polarization senses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception and transmission of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector having a reflective surface defining an image focus for a Ka band frequency signal and a prime focus for a Ku band frequency signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved single antenna system that allows reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. In one embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a dual mode feed tube and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflector fitted with a feed horn and a LNB that is capable of providing movement such that the feed horn with the LNB is at a focal point with the primary reflector for both Ka and Ku band reception. In another embodiment, the antennae is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-feed antenna having a primary reflected fitted with a feed horn assembly and a switchable LNB that supports both Ka band and Ku band reception.

Abstract: A device for use with a gyroscopic stabilizer for use in an assembly that is moveably connected to a vehicle. The gyroscopic stabilizer has a gyroscope, a skew motor, and a skew motor velocity servo-control system. The gyroscopic stabilizer can control a skew of the assembly based on a torque signal to maintain the assembly in an intended position. The skew motor velocity servo-control system can control the skew motor. The skew motor can move the gyroscope. The gyroscope can provide the torque signal. The device comprises an assembly position determining system, a detector, a state estimator and an output portion. The assembly position determining system can generate an assembly position signal based on one of a position of the assembly, a position of the gyroscopic stabilizer, a position of the gyroscope, a position of the skew motor and a position of the skew motor velocity servo-control system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical fiber composite comprising an asymmetric optical fiber comprising a first end with a substantially non-circular cross-section, and a substantially circular clad optical fiber comprising a tapered end section which has a substantially non-circular cross section and where the asymmetric optical fiber and the substantially circular clad optical fiber are spliced together at the first and second ends. The invention also relates to methods of making such optical fiber composites and devices that include such optical fiber composites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for issuing instructions to a satellite antenna configured to receive a transmission from any of a group of satellites and to provide a signal to a receiver. In accordance with one embodiment, the receiver is queried (e.g., by a control module, which in one embodiment is a device equipped with a microprocessor and memory storing instructions defining the query) to determine information relating to a channel selected by a user. Based on the information, a determination is made whether the antenna should receive a transmission from a satellite other than a currently selected satellite. If so, the antenna is instructed (e.g., by the control module) to locate the other satellite. In another embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for use in systems having multiple receivers, including one master receiver coupled to the antenna and one or more other slave receivers which do not issue instructions to the antenna.

Abstract: A first set of screws secures a Cassegrain-configuration microwave antenna's primary reflector to its low-noise block down-converter without additionally securing that reflector or the low-noise block down-converter to the antenna's feed tube, which a second set of screws separately secures to the low-noise block down-converter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating in a high noise, multiple-recipient environment, such as a convoy or other collection of vehicles or personnel operating in adverse conditions. A plurality of user terminals is provided. For example, each vehicle in a military convoy may be provided with a user terminal. The user terminals each comprise a commercial, off-the-shelf processor capable of running a commercially available operating system and at least one software program that uses predefined icons to communicate information to other users, as described further below. Users can select a message icon by which a message corresponding to the icon may be sent to all other users. The message is sent from the user terminal to a communications control unit associated with that user terminal via a communications link. The communications control unit, among other functions, compiles the message to be sent into a desired format for transmission.