Abstract: A multi-layer, highly-integrated antenna feed assembly and a method of manufacturing a multi-layer, highly-integrated antenna feed assembly are described herein. The antenna feed assembly includes multiple polarization forming networks operable over different frequency bands. In an example embodiment, the antenna feed assembly includes five layers of conductive material. Alternatively, the number of layers may be different than five.

Abstract: A waveguide-configuration adapter is provided. The waveguide-configuration adapter includes a horizontal waveguide and a vertical waveguide. The horizontal waveguide includes a first-interface port spanning a first X-Y plane and a first-coupling port spanning a Y-Z plane with a first-coupling-port width parallel to the y axis. The vertical waveguide includes a second-interface port spanning a second X-Y plane and a second-coupling port spanning a third X-Y plane with a second-coupling-port width parallel to the x axis. When an E-field is input at the first/second coupling port in the plane of the first/second coupling port, respectively, and oriented perpendicular to the first/second coupling-port width, respectively, the E-field is output from the second/first coupling port, respectively, in the plane of second/first coupling port, respectively, and oriented perpendicular to the second/first coupling-port width, respectively.

Abstract: A waveguide-configuration adapter is provided. The waveguide-configuration adapter includes a horizontal waveguide and a vertical waveguide. The horizontal waveguide includes a first-interface port spanning a first X-Y plane and a first-coupling port spanning a Y-Z plane with a first-coupling-port width parallel to the y axis. The vertical waveguide includes a second-interface port spanning a second X-Y plane and a second-coupling port spanning a third X-Y plane with a second-coupling-port width parallel to the x axis. When an E-field is input at the first/second coupling port in the plane of the first/second coupling port, respectively, and oriented perpendicular to the first/second coupling-port width, respectively, the E-field is output from the second/first coupling port, respectively, in the plane of second/first coupling port, respectively, and oriented perpendicular to the second/first coupling-port width, respectively.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for receiving parallel rays at a lens. A first surface of the lens can receive first substantially parallel rays incoming from a first direction. The first surface of the lens also can receive second substantially parallel rays incoming from a second direction that is substantially different than the first direction. The lens can focus the first substantially parallel rays onto a first focal point on a second surface of the lens and focus the second substantially parallel rays onto a second focal point on the second surface of the lens, the second focal point being different than the first focal point.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a gradient lens having a first substantially hemispherical member comprising a first convex surface and a base and a second substantially hemispherical member projecting away from the base of the first hemispherical member and comprising a second convex surface. The gradient lens also includes a plurality of gradient layers disposed within the first hemispherical member, each gradient layer concentrically aligned to the first hemispherical member and comprising an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers.

Abstract: A gradient lens capable of focusing electromagnetic rays received at a first lens surface onto a second lens surface. The first lens surface and second lens surface can include convex surfaces protruding in opposite directions from a substantially planar surface. The lens can include a gradient index between the first surface and the planar surface and a gradient index between the two convex surfaces. The lens can include two or more gradient layers, each gradient layer having an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers. The gradient layers can focus parallel electromagnetic rays incident on the first surface onto a focal point at the second surface of the lens. As the parallel electromagnetic rays pass from one gradient layer to the next, the rays are redirected toward the focal point.

Abstract: A gradient lens capable of focusing electromagnetic rays received at a first lens surface onto a second lens surface. The first lens surface and second lens surface can include convex surfaces protruding in opposite directions from a substantially planar surface. The lens can include a gradient index between the first surface and the planar surface and a gradient index between the two convex surfaces. The lens can include two or more gradient layers, each gradient layer having an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers. The gradient layers can focus parallel electromagnetic rays incident on the first surface onto a focal point at the second surface of the lens. As the parallel electromagnetic rays pass from one gradient layer to the next, the rays are redirected toward the focal point.

Abstract: An antenna system with an improved antenna feed system is discussed. This multi-beam antenna system can produce a beam of electromagnetic energy propagating in a desired direction by emitting multiple beams of electromagnetic energy that constructively and destructively interfere. The direction of the net beam of electromagnetic energy can be controlled by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the emitted beams of electromagnetic energy which in turn influences the constructive and destructive interference. The phase and amplitude adjustments can be determined by sampling coordinate rotation or similar functions. Aliased components of these functions can be particularly useful in element reduction.

Abstract: A compact system can use modular components to enhance the isolation or quality of signals that an antenna array produces. The system can comprise an array of input coupler modules and an array of output coupler modules respectively on the input and output sides of a signal routing device. Each input coupler module can receive a signal from a specific element in the antenna array and can divide or split that received signal into a multiple signal components, such as seven. The signal routing device can route each of those signal components to a different output coupler module in the array of output coupler modules. Thus, each output coupler module can receive and combine multiple signal components, such as seven, from different input coupler modules. The signal routing device can include a readily manufacturable phase trimming section to compensate for phase mismatches.

Abstract: An antenna tower and support structure for use with an antenna tower, which allow a number of antennas or antenna panels to be mounted thereto, while maintaining the compactness of the overall structure and still providing high strength, such as is needed to resist high winds. The antenna tower includes an antenna support structure mounted to the antenna mast for supporting one or more antennas or antenna panels. The antenna support structure includes a bottom plate for mounting to the mast (or to another antenna support structure) and a top plate spaced from bottom plate. A beam with multiple webs extends between the bottom plate and the top plate. The beam includes a central post and a number of stiffening webs extending generally radially outwardly from the central post. The stiffening webs help to provide substantially greater stiffness against flexure and bending, without making the overall structure larger (or not much larger effectively).

Abstract: A string trimmer head is provided for receiving and retaining separate lengths of string supplied from outside the head. String lengths passing through openings in the periphery of the head are held by clamping members provided within the head. The clamping members are selectively opened by activation of respective slidable members provided on the upper surface of the head in order to release short lengths of previously supplied string and/or to permit the receipt of new string lengths. On release of the slidable members, the respective clamping members move towards one another for clamping purposes under the influence of springs.

Abstract: A string trimmer head is provided for receiving and retaining separate lengths of string supplied from outside the head. String lengths passing through openings in the periphery of the head are held by clamping members provided within the head. The clamping members are selectively opened by activation of respective slidable members provided on the upper surface of the head in order to release short lengths of previously supplied string and/or to permit the receipt of new string lengths. On release of the slidable members, the respective clamping members move towards one another for clamping purposes under the influence of springs.