Capacitive Coupling Patents (Class 333/24C)
  • Patent number: 6133877
    Abstract: A device for microstrip distribution networks and for group antennas for the suppression of unwanted modes on the distribution network side of a microstrip distribution network. This thereby avoids, among other things, unwanted coupling between antenna elements connected to the microstrip distribution network. A waveguide substructure in principle designed as a U of extruded aluminium, is connected to the microstrip distribution network along two connection lines with at least two electrically-conductive connections to the ground plane of the microstrip distribution network along each connection line. Together with at least part of the ground plane, the waveguide substructure forms a waveguide structure. The waveguide structure is dimensioned so that it has a cut-off frequency that is higher than the highest frequency that is used in the microstrip distribution network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Jonas Sandstedt, Bjorn Johannisson, Goran Snygg
  • Patent number: 6107965
    Abstract: The dual polarized antenna element includes a planar radiating element (2) arranged in a first plane; a metallic surface (4) arranged in a second plane and provided with slots (5,6; 5,6.1,6.2) extending under the radiating element (2); a supply conductor structure (7,8) arranged in a third plane so as to be coupled with the slots (5,6; 5,6.1,6.2) in the second plane, which is located above the third plane. One slot (5) extends on a line of symmetry (11) of the radiating element (2) and the other slot (6; 6.1,6.2) runs perpendicularly to and mirror symmetric to the line of symmetry (11). In order to provide the highest possible decoupling of both polarizations, the other slots (6; 6.1,6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Christ
  • Patent number: 6023202
    Abstract: A ground return scheme is provided for multiple high speed digital signals that are capacitively coupled between networks, where the networks are connected to different ground planes (i.e. they are isolated) on a common circuit board. A first embodiment of the invention provides a low impedance ground path for each signal crossing the isolation boundary. The ground path is achieved by placing a ground return capacitor proximate to the signal coupled capacitor to substantially minimize the loop area of the total current path. This arrangement substantially minimizes the self inductance of each signal current path and the mutual inductance, i.e. coupling, between signal paths. The arrangement also has the benefit of reducing self-induced voltage drops in each ground return path, thereby reducing crosstalk between the signals, reducing ground bounce (resulting in faster settling times), and also reducing common-mode voltage induced between the grounding systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Gregory A. Hill
  • Patent number: 5995821
    Abstract: A multiple frequency coupler establishes a low noise communication path, through the windshield of a vehicle, from a multiple frequency wireless telephone or multiple single frequency telephones, each operating at a different frequency, in the vehicle to the exterior of the vehicle. The coupler includes two preferably like-shaped internal and external elements that are oriented face to face with each other, with the windshield sandwiched between them. Each element is tapered, and the elements are juxtaposed with each other such that the wider end of one element is generally opposite the narrower end of the other. Also, a multiple frequency radiator is attached to the external element. The radiator includes plural radiating elements that are separated from each other and that are attached to a common base, with each radiating element being configured for radiating a respective frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Allen Minh-Triet Tran
  • Patent number: 5977841
    Abstract: An RF connector comprising a coaxial transmission structure that transmits RF power at RF and microwave frequencies through a dielectric seal. Portions of the connector on either side of the seal do not make metal to metal contact. The connector has input and output connector portions having outer conductors coaxially disposed around inner conductors with dielectric material disposed therebetween. Impedance matching transition portions abut each side of the dielectric seal that have a relatively large diameter adjacent the dielectric seal that transitions to a relatively small diameter distal from the dielectric seal. Tapered and stepped impedance matching transition portions may be employed. A shunt capacitance is disposed approximately one quarter wavelength from each side of the dielectric seal in the stepped transition version. RF energy transmitted by way of the input connector portion is capacitively coupled through the dielectric seal to the output connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: J. J. Lee, Donald Charlton, William L. Lange
  • Patent number: 5910755
    Abstract: A laminate capacitor circuit board which permits constants of various kinds of circuit elements to be set by selectively effected connections between wiring layers, and a laminate capacitor circuit board which permits distributed circuit constants in a high-frequency wiring layer sandwiched between two shielding wiring layers to be set as desired. These circuits are formed with at least a pattern of a conductive foil on each dielectric layer, and include a plurality of wiring layers laminated one upon another, a wiring layer for connections laminated to a surface of the plurality of wiring layers laminated one upon another, a plurality of terminal patterns formed on the wiring layer for connections in a state insulated from each other, a plurality of vias for electrically connecting at least two of the plurality of terminal patterns to corresponding ones of the plurality of wiring layers, and connecting means for selectively connecting the plurality of terminal patterns to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hidehiro Mishiro, Kenichiro Tsubone, Mitsunori Abe, Rie Takada
  • Patent number: 5892411
    Abstract: A data transmission device has a first module and a second module moveable relative to one another. One of the modules functions as a sending module and the other functions as a receiving module for transmitting data between first and second modules. One of the modules is an electrical line with a defined surge impedance and the other module is a coupling probe for coupling contact-free with the electrical line. A first sending and receiving electronic circuit is connected to the first module. A second sending and receiving electronic circuit is connected to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ulrich Schwan
    Inventors: Ulrich Schwan, Andreas Nagel
  • Patent number: 5844529
    Abstract: An enclosed antenna assembly having a non-rigid, floating connection between an aluminum tray and a radome along the length of the assembly. The non-rigid, floating connection along the length of the antenna assembly provides a seal that is not damaged or degraded as a result of thermal expansion and contraction of the dissimilar materials. The tray and radome are joined along their length by a tongue and groove type connection, which allows free movement along the major axis. A top end cap provides the only rigid connection between the tray and the radome. A bottom end cap is fastened only to the radome. The design of the keyway and the top end cap prevent direct water intrusion. The bottom end cap includes weep holes to allow condensation to escape from the interior of the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Electromagnetic Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Bell, David John Kiesling, Scott Allen Swanburg
  • Patent number: 5801600
    Abstract: A variable differential phase shifter is provided. The device provides a continuous variation in phase between two outputs derived from a single input. The device is suitable for application at signal frequencies around 900 MHz, and is constructed in the form of an inner (38) and outer (37) sleeve capacitively coupled to an inner conductive rod (24) and outer conductive tube (26) respectively, wherein the inner (38), and outer (37) sleeves are connected to an input and can be moved in fixed relative relation thereby varying the phase relationship between the two outputs which are connected to the inner rod (24) and outer tube (26). A dielectric layer (25 and 27) may be provided around the inner rod (24) and outer tube (26). An unequal power division version of the device is provided for by the inclusion of a dielectric tube surrounding a portion of the inner rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Deltec New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Roger John Butland, William Emil Heinz
  • Patent number: 5796315
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical connector for blocking direct current while permitting transmission of alternating currents. The connector includes a first connector member and a second connector member for matingly receiving the first connector member. The first connector member includes a first conductor and the second connector member having a second conductor. The first and second conductors are positioned adjacent to one another and spaced apart by a layer of dielectric material. The dielectric material provides capacitive coupling of alternating currents from one conductor to the other while preventing coupling of direct current from one to the other. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector with an integral dielectric coating for direct current blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Tracor Aerospace Electronic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Gordon, Robert C. Doak, James L. Shields
  • Patent number: 5757246
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing the generation of passive intermodulation within passive devices. A dielectric sheet comprising dielectric material is placed between first and second conductive elements of the passive device. The second conductive element is then mounted to the first conductive element, thereby "sandwiching" the dielectric sheet between the first and second conductive elements. In this manner, a direct contact connection can not be formed at the junction of the first conductive element and the second conductive element. This absence of a continuous direct contact minimizes the opportunity for passive intermodulation products to be generated at this junction of the passive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 5742255
    Abstract: An antenna assembly (10) for use in combination with a glass window (60) and a signal transmission line (110) carrying a electrical transmission signal (S) with a first connector (C) at one end and having a preselected electrical impedance is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a conductive plate (70) secured to the window (60) and a radiating antenna (80) connected to the plate (70). A ground plane (40) with an aperture (50) therein is secured to the window (60). A feed substrate (30) is connected to the ground plane (40). A microstrip feedline (20) and a second connector (120) attached thereto are connected to the feed substrate (30). The microstrip feedline (20) has an electrical impedance approximately equal to the preselected electrical impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Maxrad, Inc.
    Inventor: George D. Afendras
  • Patent number: 5726608
    Abstract: The invention provides a trimmable multi-terminal capacitor. The multi-terminal capacitor comprises a plurality of capacitors with each of the capacitors having a common terminal. The capacitors are formed on a layer of dielectric material having a common plate of conductive material disposed on its top surface, and a plurality of separate plates of conductive material disposed on its lower surface. The capacitance value of each of the capacitors is separately tunable to tight tolerances. The capacitor is particularly suited to be used in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to couple a plurality of devices to a resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Michael .ANG.rlin
  • Patent number: 5668514
    Abstract: A signal transmission device includes a first body made of electromagnetic shielding material and fixed to a rotary shaft which passes through the first body. The first body revolves together with the rotary shaft around an axis of the rotary shaft. A second body made of electromagnetic shielding material is stationarily disposed around the rotary shaft. A first conductive element is spirally formed on a first substrate in a manner that peak magnitude points of traveling wave component of transmission signal generated on the element are positioned out of alignment with each other between the neighboring turns of the spiral element in radial direction of the spirally formed element. The first conductive element is disposed in the first body. A second conductive element is formed on a second substrate and has a first width enough to cover the first conductive element in the radial direction and a second width in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Hoshino, Toyokazu Sano, Takeo Oe
  • Patent number: 5646582
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to prevent an unnecessary standing wave from being generated by simplifying a circuit in a transmission line switch to be used in a block-down converter for receiving, for example, satellite broadcasting. First and second amplifiers are adapted to be selectively switchable to an ON state to/from an OFF state and are arranged in first and second input lines and are respectively provided with a connection line for connecting the first and second input lines and a common output line. The connection line comprises a first transmission line 3 connected to an end part of the first input line, a second transmission line connected to an end part of the second input line and a third transmission line connected to an end part of the common output line. The first to third transmission lines are arranged in parallel to one another to transmit signals and form a DC block circuit adapted to selectively shut down a DC bias to the amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5583525
    Abstract: A capacitive coupling arrangement including a plate-shaped input/output terminal of a signal line and a plate-shaped input/output terminal of a price display unit. These input/output terminals are connected together separated by a small gap and the respective input/output terminals are capacitively coupled. Amplifiers are connected to the input/output terminals as necessary to amplify the signal being transmitted across the capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nekomoto, Yoshitaka Utsumi
  • Patent number: 5565877
    Abstract: An improved glass mount antenna system employs a pair of coupling plates having planar cavities disposed therein with any ground plane portion thereof. Surfaces of the coupling plates which are opposite that of the ground plane include a printed exciter strip which crosses the planar cavities to thereby provide an effective communications antenna assembly which is inexpensive to manufacture and especially well suited for high frequency communication operations such as the ultra-high frequency microwave bands of between 1.5 GHz and about 2.4 GHz which are currently intended for PCN/PCS communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Du, Joseph F. Mockus
  • Patent number: 5543386
    Abstract: A joint device structure for capacitive microwave coupling of a superconducting device arranged on a substrate with room temperature circuitry; including a superconducting wave guide of an oxide superconductor on said substrate from one side to the superconducting device launching microwave to the superconducting device, a pair of superconducting groundplanes of an oxide superconductor arranged at an end of the superconducting wave guide sandwiching the end of the superconducting wave guide with a little gap and a microwave probe-head connected to the room temperature circuitry arranged above the superconducting wave guide with a coupling gap having three probing pins corresponding to the superconducting wave guide and the superconducting groundplanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., University of Maryland
    Inventors: Alp T. Findikoglu, Takao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5532658
    Abstract: An electronic component which is employed in the frequency range in the microwave band or above is mounted on a circuit board. The circuit board comprises two linear transmission line members, a ground electrode, and an electric insulating substrate provided with the transmission line members and the ground electrode on its major surface. The electronic component comprises external electrodes which are formed on its side surfaces. Holding patches which are formed on the lower surface of the electronic component are bonded to the ground electrode by solder members, thereby fixing the electronic component to the circuit board. At this time, small clearances are defined between the electronic component and the circuit board through the solder members, whereby the external electrodes are electromagnetically coupled with the transmission line members and the ground electrode through the clearances respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Tonegawa, Harufumi Mandai, Teruhisa Tsuru, Mitsuhide Katou, Koji Furutani
  • Patent number: 5475351
    Abstract: A non-contact rotating coupler for transmitting a signal through coupling capacitances formed between opposite coupling plates arranged apart from each other. In the coupling plate, an inductance for causing a parallel resonance in a signal frequency band with a stray capacity existing between a grounded conductor and a non-grounded conductor is connected between a junction point of a resistor and a capacitor and the grounded conductor or between the non-grounded conductor and the grounded conductor, thereby reducing a coupling loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Systems Uniques Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Uematsu, Takashi Ojima, Kazuo Kato
  • Patent number: 5463405
    Abstract: A cellular telephone coupling network (12) includes a generally rigid dielectric substrate (50) having a pair of tuning stubs (64, 66) formed thereon by confronting thin conductive strips (68, 70) and (72, 74) positioned on opposite face surfaces (60, 62) of the substrate (50). A unique conductive strip pattern is provided for the coupling network (12) which permits broad tunability while allowing the coupling network to be fit within the confines of a small plastic housing (32). To this end, the stubs (64, 66) are shaped as generally open, rectangular loops comprising a series of straight leg sections (94, 96, 102, 106) connected end to end around the edges of the substrate (50) with the stub distal ends (108, 112) heading back toward the respective stub proximal ends (92, 110) but stopping short thereof. One of the stubs includes an extension leg section (114) to make it longer than the other stub for greater tunability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Valor Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Duixian Liu, Glenn L. Cota
  • Patent number: 5451966
    Abstract: An improved glass mount antenna system employs a pair of coupling plates having planar cavities disposed therein with any ground plane portion thereof. Surfaces of the coupling plates which are opposite that of the ground plane include a printed exciter strip which crosses the planar cavities to thereby provide an effective communications antenna assembly which is inexpensive to manufacture and especially well suited for high frequency communication operations such as the ultra-high frequency microwave bands of between 1.5 GHz and about 2.4 GHz which are currently intended for PCN/PCS communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: The Antenna Company
    Inventors: Xin Du, Joseph F. Mockus
  • Patent number: 5412356
    Abstract: A single-ended digital interface cable and a balanced digital interface cable having a source end and a load end for propagating audio frequency signals in a digital format is disclosed. Each of the cables comprises a fixed capacitor or a capacitor and switch network which is coupled at or near the load end of the cables for providing a fixed bandwidth or for use in selectively controlling the bandwidth of the cables and a series resistance at each end thereof to dampen ringing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Constant Velocity Transmission Lines, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Marsh, Bruce A. Brisson
  • Patent number: 5397994
    Abstract: A particulate moisture measurement gauge of the type using a resonant electric circuit connected to a diode detector and to an AC signal generator having a frequency near the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit and in which the resonant circuit is electrically coupled to the particulate by a capacitor having the particulate as its dielectric. A probe is formed as a transmission line having a length which is approximately an integral number of one quarter wave lengths long. One end of the transmission line is connected to the circuitry and its opposite, moisture sensing end is immersed in the particulate. Preferably the probe is a rigid, conductive tube with a central rod having a ceramic insulator sealing its moisture sensing end and the circuitry housed in its opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Alkon Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Phare
  • Patent number: 5386196
    Abstract: A system (10) accurately measures the resistivity of a material (12) via capacitive coupling without contact with the material (12). A transmission electrode (14a) sends signals through the material (12) to a reception electrode (14b). An oscillation mechanism (16) forwards a periodic signal at a predetermined frequency f to the electrode (14a), and a detection mechanism (18) receives a resistivity signal from the electrode (14b), which signal is proportional to the resistivity of the material (12), and translates the resistivity signal into a resistivity value for the material (12). The oscillation mechanism (16) comprises an oscillator (21) connected through a transformer (T1) to a quarter-wavelength stub (24), which feeds an excitation signal to the transmission electrode (14a). The detection mechanism (18) comprises a detector (31) connected via a transformer (T2) to a quarter-wavelength stub (26), which is directly connected to the reception electrode (14b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Denmar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Jones, James E. Lutz, Richard H. Campbell, Denys D. Overholser
  • Patent number: 5338950
    Abstract: A capacitor element for an integrated circuit comprises a thin layer of dielectric material laminarly disposed between first and second layers of electrically conductive material. Each of the layers has n sides, where n is an even intergergreater than four. Preferably, each layer of the capacitor, and therefore the capacitor itself, is shaped as an equiangular polygon. Although, the capacitor may be configured as a hexagon, a decagon, etc., an octagonal configuration is preferred. By eliminating the 90 feed bend, substantial reductions in discontinuity reactances are obtained.The capacitor element may be provided as an element of a hybrid or a monolithic circuit. When the capacitor element is employed as an element of a microwave circuit, the first conductive layer is deposited on a substrate of a semi-insulating material such as gallium arsenide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Inder J. Bahl
  • Patent number: 5309122
    Abstract: A multiple-layer microstrip assembly having an inter-layer connection for transitioning electrical signals between analogous surfaces of separate layers, comprising a plurality of layers, each having a top surface and a bottom surface; first top circuitry disposed on the first top surface of a first layer; first bottom circuitry disposed on the first bottom surface of the first layer; connecting means for electrically connecting the first top circuitry to the first bottom circuitry; second top circuitry disposed on the second top surface of a second layer; and binding means to hold the two layers together, wherein the first bottom circuitry is sufficiently adjacent and overlapping the second top circuitry to form an electrical connection therebetween, thereby forming a signal transition between the first top surface of the first layer and the second top surface of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Cox, Russell W. Johnson, Patrick Westfeldt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5276415
    Abstract: A compact selectable AC/DC coaxial coupling having a cylindrical signal coupling capacitor disposed within a section of coaxial transmission line. Inner and outer plates of the capacitor are electrically connected to an external connector and the center conductor of the transmission line, respectively. A radially biased conductive collet or a conductive mesh axially disposed on the center conductor is biased into and out of contact with the inner plate of the capacitor to enable or disable DC coupling. Alternatively, a resilient contact member is displaced through an externally accessible actuating rod to connect the center conductor to the inner plate of the capacitor. The integral nature of these switching mechanisms within a coaxial environment provides both low insertion losses and continuous impedance matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventors: Robert J. Lewandowski, Daniel G. Dow, Frederick J. Telewski
  • Patent number: 5212462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stripline microwave module comprising: at least one first line situated in a first plane; at least one second line; and at least one coupling opening situated in a second plane so as to enable transmission to take place between the two lines. The invention is particularly suitable for space applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Alcatel Espace
    Inventors: Michel Gomez-Henry, Michel Salvan, Michel Lairle, Gerard Raguenet
  • Patent number: 5191303
    Abstract: A high speed probe attenuator has an attenuator with a plurality of resistors connected in series between a probe input and an instrument output. A plurality of capacitors are coupled in parallel with pairs of the resistors in an interleaved fashion to spread the frequency correction along the attenuator. The output of the attenuator is coupled by a large diameter coaxial cable to a test instrument. The result is a high speed probe with no dribble-up effect and no overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Porter, Dale A. Ellenwood
  • Patent number: 5120705
    Abstract: A transmission line using superconductors instead of conventional conductors substantially reduces ohmic losses compared to conventional conductors. The superconductors are cooled by refrigerant flowing through a hollow superconducting inner conductor. The refrigerant is transported to the inner conductor using a novel connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen L. Davidson, Marc K. Chason
  • Patent number: 5105201
    Abstract: A glass mounted antenna for car radio including an antenna element having a length that is in a resonant or non-resonant state with respect to FM frequencies, resonance circuits made up with spiral coils and capacitors so as to resonate in the FM band, a band-pass filter that passes only FM signals and no AM signals, and an AM impedance converter having an active element converting high-impedance signals into low impedance signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nakase, Moriyoshi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5084864
    Abstract: A broadband, inductively coupled, duplex, radio frequency (RF) transmission system for communcating between a central unit (10) and a plurality of remote units (31) is disclosed. The central unit (10) includes an RF signal source (11) and an RF receiver (21) connected to one end of a balanced transmission line (25) via a signal splitter (15) and a transmission line impedance matching network (27). Each remote unit (31) includes a receiving section (33) and a transmitting section (35) separate from one another. Each receiving section (33) and each transmitting section (35) includes U-shaped couplers (37,43) positioned so as to overlie the balanced transmission line (25). The U-shaped couplers (37,43) are oriented such that the cross-members of the U-shaped couplers (37,43) lie orthogonal to the balanced transmission line (25) and the legs of the U-shaped couplers (37,43) lie parallel to the balanced transmission line (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Turnbull, James B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5083136
    Abstract: A transmission line coupling device comprising a pair of coils each having an electrical length of one half of the wave length of transmitted frequency. Respective ends of the coils are connected together to give a full wave loop. The outside shielding of the transmission cable is connected to one end of the coils so that the coils have generally ground potential at their ends. The midpoint of the coils have maximum voltage, and the center conductor of the transmission line is connected to a point on one coil having an impedance matching that of the transmission line. The other coil is capacitively coupled in some fashion to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Donald H. Wells
  • Patent number: 5073761
    Abstract: A radio frequency coupler connector includes a housing having first and second housing portions. The first housing portion includes a first open-ended launcher operatively connected to a first connection terminal, and the second housing portion includes a second open-ended launcher operatively connected to a second connection terminal. When the first and second housing portions are assembled, the first and second open-ended launchers are overlapped and separated by a dielectric, thereby providing a non-contact connection by capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Waterman, Jimmy W. Mullis, John H. Staehlin
  • Patent number: 5072198
    Abstract: A coaxial transmission line system includes a coaxial transmission line having a center conductor and an outer conductor, and an rf generator. A stub antenna is coupled to the generator, and extends radially into the transmission line between the outer and center conductors for capacitively coupling rf energy from the generator to the center conductor. Input impedance of the coaxial transmission line is matched to the impedance of the antenna and generator by means of a pair of tuning screws that extend radially into the transmission line between the outer and center conductors adjacent to the antenna. The tuning screws are adjustably positionable radially of the center conductor and are spaced from each other lengthwise of the transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Lael B. Taplin, Calman S. Sagady
  • Patent number: 5057847
    Abstract: An RF connector for connecting a radiotelephone (1) to an external antenna, whereby the telephone and a corresponding device rack (2) are connected to the external antenna by two pairs of matching metal plates (1a, 2a, 1b, 2b) that provide a capacitive two-wire connector-interface. In order to avoid too large a size and too high an attenuation, a coil (3a, 3b) is connected in series with the pair of plates (1a, 2a; 1b, 2b) constituting each capacitor. The coil and capacitor are dimensioned so that they form a resonant circuit with an attenuation of nearly 0 at the desired transmission frequency. A first balancing transformer (4) before the resonant circuit transforms the signal into a balanced signal, and a second balancing transformer (5) after the resonant circuit transforms the signal back to an unbalanced signal to be transmitted further on a coaxial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventor: Risto Vaisanen
  • Patent number: 4999642
    Abstract: A transformer or coupling device having differing impedances and comprising a pair of conductors each constructed and arranged to have a standing wave in one which is a mirror image of the standing wave in the other so that the impedance varies from near zero at one end of the conductors to a maximum near their center. The transformer having an impedance matching that of one device to be coupled and having output terminals connected to points on the other conductor having an impedance matching that of the other device to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Donald H. Wells
  • Patent number: 4987391
    Abstract: A coaxial cable isolator is presented which serves to reduce or eliminate ground loop induced hum and interference in audio-video entertainment systems connected to externally grounded antenna signal sources. A linearly arranged array of discrete monolithic capacitive elements couples two ground plane areas fabricated on a circuit board, which are connected respectively to the shield conductors of the input and output coaxial cables between which DC and audio frequency isolation is desired. Resistive elements are provided for the dissipation of accumulated static charges, and a gas discharge transient suppressor protects equipment connected to the isolator's output from voltages induced by nearby lightning strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Kusiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4972505
    Abstract: A distributed radio antenna system for extending radio communications into confined regions into which external radio signals do not penetrate, the system having separate transmitting (TX) and receiving (Rx) antenna systems. Each Tx or Rx system has an elongated low loss coaxial cable system (18 or 31) and a plurality of antennas (23 or 28) connected to each of the individual segments of the cable system at spaced distances along the length of the cable segment. The antennas are coupled to the cable segments by signal taps (21 or 21') having adjustable or preselected values of attenuation so that the power fed to each TX antenna (23) from the Tx cable system (18) is approximately the same and so that the attenuation of the signals received from each Rx antenna (28) is approximately the same, thereby conserving power and reducing system cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Reuben A. Isberg
  • Patent number: 4952916
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system includes an actuator having a cylinder and a piston variably positionable therewithin. An electrohydraulic valve is responsive to valve control signals for coupling the actuator to a source of hydraulic fluid. A coaxial transmission line extends through the actuator, and includes an outer conductor formed by the actuator cylinder and a center conductor operatively coupled to the piston such that length of the coaxial transmission line is effectively directly determined by position of the piston within the cylinder. An rf generator is coupled by an antenna to the coaxial transmission line for launching rf energy therewithin, and valve control electronics is responsive to rf energy reflected by the coaxial transmission line for indicating position of the piston within the cylinder and generating electronic control signals to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lael B. Taplin
  • Patent number: 4949001
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting a partial discharge pulse in a high voltage conductor in the stator of a motor, turbine generator or the like, comprising a conductive plate having an insulated face, an insulated signal conductor spanning the insulated face of the plate, and means for transmitting an electrical pulse produced in the signal conductor to recording means for determining the location and severity of partial discharge activity within the high voltage insulation of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Steven R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4908585
    Abstract: An RF transformer employs at least three elongated conductive elements in generally parallel spaced relationship. At least a first inductive element is connected between a pair of the conductive elements to provide a desired field distribution. A diagnostic technique for determining the frequency shift of the transformer employs a perturbing object which is selectively longitudinally positioned within the transformer. The transformer has particular utility as an RF excited gas laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Peter P. Chenausky
  • Patent number: 4877999
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus to produce a noble-gas plasma for excitation in optical emission spectrometry. The apparatus includes an hf generator feeding an oscillation circuit consisting of at least one inductor and one capacitor. The capcitor includes at least two capacitor plates which are so shaped and mutually arranged that they enclose a cavity in which the plasma may form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Anton Paar KG
    Inventors: Gunter Knapp, Andreas Schalk
  • Patent number: 4814729
    Abstract: A microstrip IMPATT circuit tuning mechanism for use with RF producing IMPATT diode combinations including a microstrip circuit board and a external load line connected by a coupling spring attached to the load line and separated from the microstrip circuit by a dielectric layer, the coupling spring being manipulated by a dielectric screw inserted through the housing containing the microstrip board and further having a metallic frequency controlling screw extending through the housing and terminating before the microstrip board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Becker
  • Patent number: 4810933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating plasma (ionizing gas) by a propagating surface wave. The device comprises a wave launching structure mounted on a plasma vessel and connected to an impedance matching network. The latter comprises a coupler and a tuner which is either formed by a section of a transmission line or is of the lumped circuitry type. The launching structure may either generate an azimuthally symmetric or a non symmetric propagating wave. This invention also relates to a method and a device for shaping plasma which comprises a plasma vessel receiving a surface wave generator and having a serviceable portion of a size and/or shape substantially different from the shape and/or size of the portion of the plasma vessel receiving the wave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Universite de Montreal
    Inventors: Michel Moisan, Zenon Zakrzewski
  • Patent number: 4809284
    Abstract: An RF transformer employs at least three elongated conductive elements in generally parallel spaced relationship. At least a first inductive element is connected between a pair of the conductive elements to provide a desired field distribution. A diagnostic technique for determining the frequency shift of the transformer employs a perturbing object which is selectively longitudinally positioned within the transformer. The transformer has particular utility as an RF excited gas laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Peter P. Chenausky
  • Patent number: 4800343
    Abstract: A DC cutting circuit for passing a signal having a selected wavelength from input side circuitry to output side circuitry while cutting from said signal any DC component therein, which includes a resonator electrode having an electrical length of 1/4 wavelength and formed at a forward open end of a strip line connected to an input side circuitry, and another resonator electrode also having an electrical length of 1/4 wavelength and formed at a forward open end of a strip line connected to an output side circuitry, with said resonator electrodes being disposed in a parallel spaced relation to each other so as to couple the input side circuitry with the output side circuitry by the two resonator electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Humiaki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 4792725
    Abstract: A system for instantaneously ionizing and continuously delivering energy in the form of surface waves to a low pressure gas or mixture of low pressure gases, comprising a source of rf energy, a discharge container, (such as a fluorescent lamp discharge tube), an rf shield, and a coupling device responsive to rf energy from the source to couple rf energy directly and efficiently to the gas or mixture of gases to ionize at least a portion of the gas or gases and to provide energy to the gas or gases in the form of surface waves. The majority of the rf power is transferred to the gas or gases near the inner surface of the discharge container to efficiently transfer rf energy as excitation energy for at least one of the gases. The most important use of the invention is to provide more efficient fluorescent and/or ultraviolet lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Donald J. Levy, Samuel M. Berman
  • Patent number: 4700152
    Abstract: A non-contacting type of high frequency signal coupling arrangement for coupling RF signals to a television receiver at one or more workstations for alignment or test includes a first transmission line mounted a the workstation and coupled to the RF signal source and a second transmission line mounted on the pallate for moving the television receiver from one workstation to another and coupled to the antenna input of the television receiver. At a workstation, the two transmission lines are brought into overlying relationship so that the RF signals are capacitively coupled from the first transmission line to the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Wilson