Abstract: An end-fire array antenna achieves improved performance with an array of radiative members that are arranged collinearly between an array first end and an array second end and a divergent reflector which is arranged collinearly with the radiative members. The radiative members are spaced to facilitate radiation and reception of electromagnetic signals in an antenna direction which extends from the array second end and the divergent reflector is spaced from the array first end to enhance this radiation and reception. A wall of the reflector preferably diverges from an antenna axis by an angle in the region of 24 to 48 degrees. The divergent reflector terminates in an open end which has a transverse width that preferably exceeds 1.4 .lambda..sub.dsgn wherein .lambda..sub.dsgn is the design wavelength of the antenna. In-service antennas are modified with a divergent reflector that is configured for coupling to an existing antenna back wall or antenna cup.

Abstract: An antenna/downconverter directed to the subscription television distribution industry having low cross polarization and broad bandwidth. The antenna/downconverter includes a director mounted to a housing which defines a reflector cup, side lobe suppression rim and a housing defining a chamber which provides environmental protection for downconverter electronics. Received microwave energy is coupled to the downconverter electronics from a point radially inward from the perimeter of a first receive disc axially spaced within the reflector cup using a probe surrounded by a conductive probe shield integral to the reflector cup. A second receive disc having a different radius than the first receive disc and axially spaced within the reflector cup is parasitically coupled to the first probe. The second receive disc additionally includes wings coupled to the perimeter of the reflector cup for shunting cross-polarized microwave signals.

Abstract: An antenna/amplifier includes a waveguide and an amplifier system. The amplifier and signal lines which terminate in orthogonal probes are carried on a common substrate. The orthogonal probes are spaced from a waveguide wall and isolated for good cross polarization by a post which extends from the wall. The probes have probe tips which are spaced from the post by a probe space. Parameters which include the probe space, the impedance of the signal lines and the length of the signal lines can be selected to present an optimum impedance to low-noise amplifiers of the amplifier system.

Abstract: An antenna suitable for use at subscriber sites in a television distribution system having a high front-to-back ratio and optimized for reception within multiple frequency bands. The antenna is comprised of multiple tapered antenna stages including a primary antenna stage for receiving a primary frequency band and a coupling antenna stage for matching the impedance of the primary antenna stage to either a coaxial cable or downconverter electronics. The multiple antenna stages are alternatively formed from either a stamping of a metal sheet or a double sided printed circuit board.

Abstract: Processes and techniques are described for concurrent electroplating of yttrium, barium and copper from aqueous solution onto a desired substrate (e.g., nickel, nichrome or silver). Compounds of these elements are dissolved in aqueous solution with a complexing agent meeting defined criteria and then are placed in a plating cell in which the cathode is the substrate on which the elements are to be deposited. After the elements have been deposited, they are oxidized to provide the desired perovskite structure. The process may be continuous or non-continuous.