Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a satellite antenna system. The elevation mechanism includes tilt links or arms, lift links, and a linear actuator with an adjustable length leg arrangement. Each tilt arm is pivotally mounted at its inner and outer end portions to the base or azimuth plate of the system and to the back of the dish of the system. Similarly, each lift link is pivotally mounted at its inner and outer end portions to the base and to the back of the dish. The linear actuator in turn is pivotally mounted at its inner end portion to the base and at its outer end portion to the lift links. In operation, the linear actuator can be moved between extended and retracted positions to cause the dish to move between its stowed position facing downwardly and a deployed position facing upwardly of the horizon at a targeted satellite.

Abstract: An aftermarket UHF parasitic antenna kit and method for a mobile television antenna includes: a base having an engagement surface and an extending boom; rivet holes in the engagement surface that correspond in size and location to a corresponding number of holes in the bottom of the mobile television antenna; push rivets that engage the rivet and bottom holes to hold the base to the bottom of the mobile television antenna; base foot holes in the engagement surface and boom; resilient base feet that engage the base foot holes; and at least one parasitic antenna element connected to the boom.

Abstract: A mobile television antenna having an antenna element outwardly extending from opposing ends of a housing. An UHF digital booster extends perpendicularly from one side of the housing between the opposing ends carrying the antenna element. At least one UHF parasitic antenna element is connected on a boom which is integrally connected to the mobile television antenna housing. The ultra high frequency parasitic antenna element is held in a plane near the plane in which the antenna element is held by the housing.

Abstract: A removable tool for adjusting the elevation of a satellite antenna having a shaft, a knob engaging the threads of the shaft at one end, a pivot member slideably disposed over the shaft threads; an upper pin for selectively engaging a hole at the other end of the shaft and with upper holes on the antenna mount; and lower pin for selectively engaging a pivot hole in the pivot member and lower holes on the mount. When the knob is turned the shaft adjusts the elevation in the mount by pivoting between the two bracket pairs.

Abstract: A fine azimuth adjustment tool and method for a satellite antenna system having a clamp with opposing jaws for clamping around the mast pipe, a lever connected to the clamp for opening and closing the opposing jaws; a cam with a protrusion engaging a formed slot in the mast clamp when said opposing jaws are closed, the protrusion rotating the mast clamp when the cam is turned, the protrusion in the slot holding the mast clamp to the mast pipe at a desired fine tuned azimuth position while the mast clamp is tightened and secured to the mast pipe.

Abstract: A folding feed for a mobile satellite system having a reflector antenna, a feed, and a feed arm. The feed arm carries the feed at its distal end. A pivot is provided between the distal end and the feed. A feed stop block, connected at the distal end, has first and second surfaces. When the mobile satellite system stows the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the first surface against the feed to hold the feed at a first set angle. When said mobile satellite system deploys the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the second surface against the feed to hold the feed at the second set angle. A spring connected between the feed arm and feed holds the second surface against the feed. The first angle is greater than the second angle to provide a low profile to the stowed antenna.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a deployed reflector antenna in a mobile satellite system. The stabilizing mechanism has a pair of stabilizing devices with a first end of each stabilizing device connected on a rear support of the reflector antenna. The first ends are positioned on opposite sides of the rear support. A second end of each stabilizing device is connected to a tilt mechanism in the mobile satellite system. The pair of stabilizing devices forms a support angle about the centerline of the reflector antenna and with the tilt mechanism. The pair of stabilizer devices pushes against the opposite sides with a pre-load force when the reflector antenna is deployed to minimize deflection of the reflector antenna due to environmental forces.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a deployed reflector antenna in a mobile satellite system. The stabilizing mechanism has a pair of stabilizing devices with a first end of each stabilizing device connected on a rear support of the reflector antenna. The first ends are positioned on opposite sides of the rear support. A second end of each stabilizing device is connected to a tilt mechanism in the mobile satellite system. The pair of stabilizing devices forms a support angle about the centerline of the reflector antenna and with the tilt mechanism. The pair of stabilizer devices pushes against the opposite sides with a pre-load force when the reflector antenna is deployed to minimize deflection of the reflector antenna due to environmental forces.

Abstract: A folding feed for a mobile satellite system having a reflector antenna, a feed, and a feed arm. The feed arm carries the feed at its distal end. A pivot is provided between the distal end and the feed. A feed stop block, connected at the distal end, has first and second surfaces. When the mobile satellite system stows the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the first surface against the feed to hold the feed at a first set angle. When said mobile satellite system deploys the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the second surface against the feed to hold the feed at the second set angle. A spring connected between the feed arm and feed holds the second surface against the feed. The first angle is greater than the second angle to provide a low profile to the stowed antenna.

Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a satellite antenna system. The elevation mechanism includes tilt links or arms, lift links, and a linear actuator with an adjustable length leg arrangement. Each tilt arm is pivotally mounted at its inner and outer end portions to the base or azimuth plate of the system and to the back of the dish of the system. Similarly, each lift link is pivotally mounted at its inner and outer end portions to the base and to the back of the dish. The linear actuator in turn is pivotally mounted at its inner end portion to the base and at its outer end portion to the lift links. In operation, the linear actuator can be moved between extended and retracted positions to cause the dish to move between its stowed position facing downwardly and a deployed position facing upwardly of the horizon at a targeted satellite.

Abstract: A mobile satellite antenna system has a first portion that includes an elevation mechanism, and a second portion that includes a dish with a dish back support structure. These portions can be readily connected or disconnected by a set of quick-connect fasteners that selectively fasten the elevation mechanism of the first portion to the dish back support structure of the second portion. Both portions of the satellite antenna system can be separately stored and transported in containers.

Abstract: A satellite antenna mounting system primarily for residential homes including a dish, feed horn, elevation, clamp, and mast. The main body of the clamp to which the assemblage of the dish, feed horn, and elevation bracket are attached is provided with a downwardly inclined tab or clip member. In operation, the clamp of the assemblage can be lowered to receive the upper portion of the mast which is affixed to the roof or other part of the house. In doing so, the clip member engages the upper rim of the mast and firmly attaches or clips the assemblage to the mast with the dish in its desired elevation. Thereafter, the loose clamp can be tightened about the upper portion of the mast at the desired azimuth without affecting the set elevation of the dish.

Abstract: A collapsible tripod mount for a portable dish antenna assembly. The assembly includes a dish member and a post member extending downwardly from it. The tripod includes three legs selectively lockable in an open position to support the dish antenna assembly and a collapsed or closed position with the dish antenna assembly removed. The locking arrangement for both the open and collapsed positions of the tripod includes a plate with first and second sets of holes. Each set of holes selectively receives end portions of the tripod legs. The tripod further includes an adjustable azimuth arrangement mounted on one tripod leg and supporting the post and dish members thereon.

Abstract: A motorized, retractable antenna system for a recreational or similar vehicle. The antenna system includes an antenna head pivotally mounted to a support arrangement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis between retracted and raised position. The support arrangement and attached antenna head in turn are then mounted to a stationary base assembly for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. A locking mechanism is provided to secure the retracted antenna head and support arrangement in predetermined positions relative to the base assembly and vehicle and to aid in the control of the raising, adjusting, and lowering of the antenna head.

Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a satellite antenna system allows the antenna to be moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The elevation mechanism includes a lift bar driven by a motor having one end pivotally connected to the back of the antenna and a pivot connection point pivotally connected to the base of the satellite antenna system. A tilt link bar has a first end pivotally connected to the back of the antenna and a second end pivotally connected to the base. The tilt link bar causes the antenna to pivot as the antenna moves between the stowed position and the deployed position so that in the stowed position the antenna faces downward.