Including Antenna Orientation Patents (Class 342/359)
  • Publication number: 20140266887
    Abstract: A radar system that includes a gimbal and a platform secured to a frame through the gimbal is disclosed. The radar system includes an antenna rotatably supported by the platform for rotation about an axis and configured to scan a hemispherical field of view above the platform. A controller that controls the rotation of the antenna and a gyroscopic stabilizer that is secured to the platform to maintain the platform in a stable and level position during operation of the radar system and rotation of the antenna is also disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed for traversing a geographic region with the radar system. The antenna may transmit in the X band. A telescoping mast having a first end secured to the platform and having a second end secured to the gimbal is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Guy E. Blase, Donald A. LaPoint
  • Patent number: 8811974
    Abstract: Multipoint wireless communications are coordinated in cells with radiation that is emanated from antennas in an inward direction. In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna and a controller. The first antenna emanates radiation from a first location in an inwardly direction for a cell. The second antenna emanates radiation from a second location in an inwardly direction for the cell. The third antenna emanates radiation from a third location in an inwardly direction for the cell. The controller coordinates the emanation of the radiation via the first, second, and third antennas so as to reduce intra-cell interference for remote terminals located within the cell. The coordination may be effected in accordance with one or more coordinated multi-point (transmission/reception) (CoMP) techniques. Different numbers of sub-cells and antennas per cell and different CoMP cell organizations may be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Abdulfauf Hafeez, Jiann-Ching Guey, Sven Oscar Petersson, Kambiz Zangi
  • Patent number: 8810451
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a communication antenna automatic orientation apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus comprises: a target base station geographical storage for storing the corresponding relation between the spatial location information on the air lane and the identifier of a target base station; a sensor for confirming current spatial location information of the aircraft; an aircraft spatial orientation sensor for confirming a current spatial orientation of the aircraft; a master controller for confirming a target direction of a directional antenna according to the current spatial location information, the corresponding relation and the current spatial orientation and sending an instruction carrying the target direction; an automatic antenna directional system for receiving the instruction and driving the directional antenna according to the target direction so as to enable the directional antenna to receive a signal from a ground base station in the target direction; a wide aperture anten
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Weihao Xie, Jiahui Zhou, Yue Ma
  • Patent number: 8803733
    Abstract: A method of optimizing an antenna system can include determining a desired angle to rotate an antenna based on an axial ratio of electromagnetic waves exiting a radome that surrounds the antenna. The desired angle can be determined by a computing device based on a set of axial ratio values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mitre Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Kolak, Aleksandra Markina-Khusid
  • Patent number: 8774717
    Abstract: A Master Antenna Controller System is provided. In one example, the Master Antenna Controller System comprises a handheld wireless device and a RET Master. The handheld wireless device may comprise an Android OS or iOS based smartphone or tablet that includes Wi-Fi capabilities communications capabilities. The RET Master may provide full RET control based on the AISG 1.1 and 2.0 standards and communicate with the handheld wireless device via a wireless access point, such as a Wi-Fi server. The combination may be configured to provide extensive, screen-guided, intuitive RET diagnostics functionality. The RET Master itself may also include multiple different pre-defined tests (e.g. test one actuator, test one RET cable, test AISG signal from TMA) and also some standard electrical tests, e.g. measuring voltage, current etc. Additional higher-level functions may be provided on an Application on the handheld wireless device and communicated to the RET Master wirelessly or by USB connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Elmer O. Freeman, Bobby W. Webb, Holger Raeder
  • Patent number: 8766850
    Abstract: A horizontal beam adjusting method and apparatus for an omni-directional antenna are provided. The horizontal beam adjusting apparatus may generate a switch control signal according to an inclination of the omni-directional antenna, and adjust a radiation direction of the omni-directional antenna according to the switch control signal. Accordingly, the adjusted radiation direction may have horizontal omni-directionality with respect to a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Ju Derk Park, Sang Gi Hong
  • Patent number: 8760346
    Abstract: A system and method to provide a means of communication, command and control between a mobile antenna and a satellite receiver that allows the receiver to send tuning information to the antenna and the antenna to provide feedback to the receiver when a signal has been acquired. The antenna and the receiver can share the appropriate states and status such as diagnostics, test, GPS coordinates, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge Guzman
  • Publication number: 20140168012
    Abstract: Method, device and computer readable memory aspects describe aligning antennas such as short range communication antennas in communication devices that may be used to transmit and receive electrical power for device charging. A measure of antenna alignment may be determined in response to electrical power received by one of the antennas. A suggested movement is determined for moving at least one of the antennas (e.g. the communication device housing the antenna) for increasing the measure of antenna alignment and the suggested movement is presented in a graphical user interface (GUI). Movement may be suggested along a first plane to maximize antenna alignment followed by movement along a second plane to further maximize antenna alignment. A map may be defined from measured antenna alignment values and movement suggested in response to the map. Maximized antenna alignment may be signalled (e.g. vibration) when the measure of alignment is within a threshold range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter MANKOWSKI, Ryan Alexander GERIS, Xiaowei WU
  • Publication number: 20140159954
    Abstract: A direction finding system for finding the angle of arrival of a target signal from a transmitter. The system includes a plurality of directional antennas positioned to face different directions for receiving the target signal. The antennas are mounted as an antenna array on a rotatable mount for supporting and rotating the antenna array. A receiver unit down converts the RF target signal to IF signals that are digitized by an A/D converter providing digital values. A computer computes the power in the signals from the A/D samples. A computer stores calibration information for the directional antennas, processes the digital values and the calibration information to determine a rotation angle ? for rotating the antennas to provide new digital values, processes the new digital values and the calibration information to determine an intersection angle, and subtracts the rotation angle from the intersection angle to determine the final value for the angle of arrival of the target signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Stoddard
  • Patent number: 8704711
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: FiMax Technology Limited
    Inventors: Zizhou Vincent Wang, Hang Ching Jason Leung, Piu Bill Wong, Douglas R. George
  • Publication number: 20140105329
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided to realize an input waveform using wavelet processing and reconstruction via separated antenna array systems having different beam paths and different frequency components which can include phased array transmitters to recreate the input waveform. One aspect of the invention can include a wavelet function used for the examples shown herein which includes a first and second moments of a statistical function, i.e. the mean and variance used with an inverse wavelet to create rectangular pulses that lend themselves to use in the invention herein. Other embodiments of the invention can use other input waveform separation functions paired with signal separation and recombination at a focus point. A selected function can be matched to its application associated with avoidance of sending the input waveform along a single beam path, a desired a focus point, and separation of an input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: George Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20140104104
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging and aligning antennas that includes an overlay imaging aligner composed of two or more antennas in association with a polarization gate, a polarization beam splitter, a non-polarizing beam splitter, a beam dump, one or more imaging lens and a common detector array. The overlay imaging aligner aligns the antennas by overlaying simultaneous digital images associated with the antennas on the common detector array. The antennas can be, for example, mm Wave antennas, waveguides, etc. The detector array generates real-time digital images the antennas. Such an approach of simultaneous imaging leverages the spatial resolution of digital optical imaging to aligning antenna components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua A. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20140077993
    Abstract: The system comprises an orientable block, in which are mounted at least transmission and reception antennas of means for detecting improvised explosive devices, which are directed in such a way as to illuminate at least one and the same zone of space, and a detection confirmation camera which is directed towards the zone illuminated by these transmission and reception antennas in such a way as to be able to form an image of this zone, as well as means for controlling the orientation of said orientable block, which bring about a displacement of said block in such a way as to generate a scan of a part of space by said detection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MBDA FRANCE
    Inventor: Dominique Hembise
  • Publication number: 20140070993
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a communication system. Particularly disclosed are systems and methods for locating and tracking radio frequency signals and for automatically positioning an antenna to receive a desired radio frequency signal. The system may comprise an antenna module comprising a receive antenna and a plurality of tracking antennas, a base, one or more motors configured to rotate the antenna module and/or tilt the receive antenna relative to the base, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may include a spectrum analyzer and may be configured to receive inputs from the tracking antennas and provide outputs to control the motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Troll Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Troll Systems Corporation
  • Patent number: 8648748
    Abstract: An effective marine stabilized antenna system, in terms of antenna to radome size and antenna/RF performance complies with all relevant worldwide SatCom regulations. The combination of a dual offset Gregorian antenna (DOGA) with a stabilized polarization over elevation over tilt over azimuth pedestal, and a control/stabilization algorithm, ensures antenna orientation restrictions guarantee compliance with side-lobe intensity regulations. Operating a dual offset Gregorian antenna substantially within a pre-determined antenna cut range of a 45 degree angle relative to a configuration of the antenna and a relative position of a target provides antenna performance that complies with applicable SatCom regulations, despite having to flip the antenna 90 degrees to continue tracking the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Orbit Communication Ltd.
    Inventors: Azriel Yakubovich, Guy Naym, Idan Fogel, Ervin Rozman, Shlomo Levi, Michael Greenspan, Moshe Gvili, Or Dadush, Benny Ben Rey
  • Publication number: 20140022123
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically coordinating different remote broadband communications sources using multiple directional antennas mounted on a single vehicle and automatically tracking the signal sources in accord with the coordination. The system scans the horizon to identify all available signals being respectively received from the plurality of remote broadband wireless communication sources. The signals or sources are then ranked based on an optimization criteria. Based on the criteria, a first directional antenna is positioned to allow two-way communication with the first remote broadband communication source and the second directional antenna is positioned to allow two-way communication with the second remote broadband communication source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Lee Bruder, Steven Douglas Bensen, Matthew Charles Creakbaum, Robert Baldur Peterson
  • Patent number: 8630748
    Abstract: A method for access or starting verification for a vehicle using a mobile identification encoder and at least two antennas located in or on the vehicle at different locations includes: the antennas emitting electromagnetic signals at alterable times, wherein the electromagnetic signals are emitted in transmission blocks having alterable specific properties and wherein a plurality of transmission blocks are strung together to form a communication message in which each transmission block adopts an alterable position in time, the identification encoder receiving the electromagnetic signals emitted by the antennas and processing them to generate a response signal, and altering at least one of the times at which the individual antennas are actuated, the specific properties of the individual transmission blocks, and the position of the individual transmission blocks in time in the communication message in accordance with a cryptographical method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hermann, Alexander Heinrich, Franz Plattner
  • Patent number: 8618982
    Abstract: A communication device is described comprising an antenna arrangement, an orientation determining device configured to determine the orientation of the antenna arrangement, and a controller configured to control the directivity of the antenna arrangement based on the determined orientation of the antenna arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Jaya Shankar Pathmasuntharam, Syed Naveen Altaf Ahmed, Wee Tiong Tan, Meng How Lim
  • Publication number: 20130328721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for antenna pointing are disclosed. A transmit antenna system having an adjustable boresight transmits a signal exhibiting a far-field pattern including a feature (e.g. a V-Notch) in a polarization of the signal disposed at a fixed position off a beam peak of the far-field pattern of the signal. A receive antenna system scans across the far-field pattern of the signal in the polarization to locate the feature and determine a pointing error of the adjustable boresight therefrom. The system may be applied to a cross-polarization of the signal where a co-polarization of the signal is simultaneously used for telecommunication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: David Rochblatt
  • Patent number: 8594053
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for maintaining an optimal beam direction in a wireless communication system are provided. The method for operating a receiving node in a wireless communication system includes, determining a first transmission beam is determined as a preferred transmission beam using a plurality of reference signals transmitted by a transmitting node, generating preferred transmission beam information, transmitting the preferred transmission beam information to the transmitting node, receiving transmissions from the transmitting node via the first transmission beam, and determining whether a change of a transmission beam is necessary. When the change of the transmission beam is determined to be necessary, generating a beam change request and transmitting the beam change request to the transmitting node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Young Kim, Hyun-Kyu Yu, Jae-Weon Cho
  • Publication number: 20130307725
    Abstract: A system is provided to establish and maintain a data path between a Local Area Network (LAN) that is mounted on a moving vehicle and a satellite. In combination, an antenna assembly, an Antenna Control Unit (ACU), an Inertial reference Unit (IRU), and a modem are mounted together on the moving vehicle, under the overall control of a services platform. Operationally, the IRU generates parametric values indicative of the spatial attitude and location of the moving vehicle. The ACU then uses the parametric values to aim the antenna in a direction toward the satellite. In this combination, the modem is connected with the antenna to transmit and receive data between the system and the satellite. Individually or collectively, operationally compatible components of the system (IRU, ACU, antenna and modem) can be appropriately substituted to thereby customize the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TACHYON NETWORKS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark E. MURI, Peter Alexander CARIDES, Simon H. DICKHOVEN, Marc S. JANOV, Barry R. ROBBINS
  • Publication number: 20130293417
    Abstract: A directional antenna system for portable communication device that provides user control on the transmit antennas. The directional antenna system is made by two or more directional antennas with the directional antennas arranged in the pattern such that one of the directional antenna is pointing towards the user and the other directional antenna(s) are pointing away from the user. The directional antenna system is designed to cover a 360 degree circle in both the receiving and transmitting mode. In one of the transmitting mode, the portable communication device transmits RF signal on the directional antenna(s) that is pointing away from the user to minimize the electromagnetic energy exposure to the user. In the case when the RF receiving signal is below the desired operating condition on the outward pointing directional antenna(s), the portable communication device will generate an alert to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Hing S. Tong, Haixian Liu
  • Patent number: 8576120
    Abstract: A satellite communication ground station configured for communicating over an inclined orbit geostationary satellite may include a tracking antenna having three fixed axis and one moving axis, a motor for swinging the antenna along the moving axis, a controller for controlling the motor, a receiver configured to receive a signal arriving from the satellite via the tracking antenna and an estimator configured to estimate reception quality of a signal received by the receiver. The invention described herein presents a method for tracking an inclined orbit geostationary satellite, the method comprising a learning step and a tracking step, wherein the learning step includes use of a filter for reducing alignment errors and reducing the amount of peaking required for aligning the antenna with the satellite and tracking its movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Halavi, Hagay Peled, Adi Berger
  • Publication number: 20130271319
    Abstract: A signal reception assembly may be installed by a user, and configured to achieve optimal alignment (e.g., perfect or near-perfect alignment) with a particular signal source. The signal reception assembly may receive signals from the signal source, and signal related information may be determined based on processing of the received signals, with the signal related data comprising parameters pertinent to configuring reception of signals from the particular signal source. An electronic device may be coupled to the signal reception assembly, and may be utilized to obtain and/or determine positioning information which may correlate with the positing of the signal reception assembly. Adjustments to aiming and/or alignment of the signal reception assembly, relative to the particular signal source, may be determined based on the positioning information and the signal related data to achieve the optimal alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Alan Trerise
  • Publication number: 20130271320
    Abstract: An app running on a communication device determines a current position of an antenna, which is to be aligned with a transmitter. The app determines a direction in which the antenna should be oriented so that the antenna is aligned with the transmitter when the communication device is placed by the antenna. The app may generate, based on the determined direction, one or more cues to enable alignment of the antenna so that the current position or a newly determined current position of the antenna is aligned with the determined position of the transmitter. The cues may include audible, visual and/or vibration cues. The app may acquire information from one or more sensors, which are located within the communication device and/or integrated within the antenna. The acquired information may be utilized to determine the current position and/or a newly determined current position of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Alan Trerise
  • Patent number: 8558739
    Abstract: An antenna control system enabling the remote variation of antenna beam tilt. A drive means continuously adjusts phase shifters of a feed distribution network to radiating elements to continuously vary antenna beam tilt. A controller enables the beam tilt of a number of antenna at a site to be remotely varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: William Emil Heinz, Mathias Martin Ernest Ehlen
  • Patent number: 8548385
    Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication via multiple antenna assemblies. For example, a device may include a wireless communication unit to transmit and receive signals via one or more quasi-omnidirectional antenna assemblies, wherein the wireless communication unit is to transmit, via each quasi-omnidirectional antenna assembly, a plurality of first transmissions, to receive, in response to the first transmissions, a plurality of second transmissions from another device via one or more of the quasi-omnidirectional antenna assemblies, and, based on the second transmissions, to select at least one selected transmit antenna assembly for transmitting to the other device and a selected receive antenna assembly for receiving transmissions from the other device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Menashe Sofer, Assaf Kasher
  • Patent number: 8543266
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are described herein for using a modified Kalman filter to generate attitude error corrections. Attitude measurements are received from primary and secondary attitude sensors of a satellite or other spacecraft. Attitude error correction values for the attitude measurements from the primary attitude sensors are calculated based on the attitude measurements from the secondary attitude sensors using expanded equations derived for a subset of a plurality of block sub-matrices partitioned from the matrices of a Kalman filter, with the remaining of the plurality of block sub-matrices being pre-calculated and programmed into a flight computer of the spacecraft. The propagation of covariance is accomplished via a single step execution of the method irrespective of the secondary attitude sensor measurement period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rongsheng Li, Tung-Ching Tsao, Arunkumar P. Nayak
  • Publication number: 20130214970
    Abstract: A wireless mesh network includes a first network node including a first antenna positioned in a first orientation, a first processor, and a first orientation sensor. The first processor is programmed to determine the first orientation using the first orientation sensor and to transmit, using the first antenna, the first orientation to a computing device. The network also includes a second network node including a second antenna positioned in a second orientation, a second processor, and a second orientation sensor. The second processor is programmed to determine the second orientation using the second orientation sensor and to transmit, using the second antenna, the second orientation to the computing device for use in comparing the first orientation with the second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Paul Stachow, Brandon James Rank, Trevor Shaun Kavanaugh
  • Publication number: 20130214969
    Abstract: A directional antenna system for an aircraft is disclosed. The directional antenna system may include an enclosure, a linear antenna array disposed within the enclosure and a controller. The linear antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements physically oriented in the same orientation. The plurality of antenna elements may be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance center-to-center. The controller may be in communication with each of the plurality of antenna elements of the linear antenna array. The controller may be configured for independently controlling a RF phase angle of each of the plurality of antenna elements based on a position of the aircraft and at least one ground station available to the aircraft, allowing the linear antenna array to concentrate RF radiations in a particular wavelength toward a general direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.
    Inventor: James P. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20130207841
    Abstract: An intelligent backhaul system is disclosed for deployment in the presence of existing radio systems. A backhaul system for co-channel deployment with existing licensed and unlicensed wireless networks, including conventional cellular backhaul radios, Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service, Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and other FCC 47 C.F.R. §101 licensed microwave networks is disclosed. Processing and network elements to manage and control the deployment and management of backhaul of radios that connect remote edge access networks to core networks in a geographic zone which co-exist with such existing systems or other sources of interference within a radio environment are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin J. NEGUS, James A. Proctor, JR.
  • Patent number: 8502733
    Abstract: An intelligent backhaul system is disclosed for deployment in the presence of existing radio systems. A backhaul system for co-channel deployment with existing licensed and unlicensed wireless networks, including conventional cellular backhaul radios, Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service, Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and other FCC 47 C.F.R. §101 licensed microwave networks is disclosed. Processing and network elements to manage and control the deployment and management of backhaul of radios that connect remote edge access networks to core networks in a geographic zone which co-exist with such existing systems or other sources of interference within a radio environment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CBF Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Negus, James A. Proctor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8487813
    Abstract: A method of automatic alignment of two directional beams having a known path attenuation, and an antenna gain pattern, for mutual transmission, comprises: determining a beam width between two angles of minimal detectable connection on either side of a beam maximum; then mapping points onto a scan field in a regular pattern, the pattern based on the beam width, such that a beam with the determined beam width is detected once if the beam is in the scan field at all; scanning the first antenna over the mapped scan points; and for each point allowing the second antenna to scan over all of its own set of mapped scan points, thereby providing a coarse alignment of the two antennas to achieve at least a minimal mutual connection. The coarse alignment may be followed by a fine alignment to maximize the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Siklu Communication Ltd.
    Inventors: Yigal Leiba, Baruch Schwarz, Elad Dayan, Izhak Kirshenbaum
  • Patent number: 8487812
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for aligning a beamforming system relative to a platform, said beamforming system being positioned on-board the platform. The method described in the present disclosure extends beyond currently available techniques by providing an adaptive beamsteering function which is available during installation of the beamforming system. This adaptive beamsteering function may determine the orientation error of the beamforming system by adaptively searching for correlated behavior of multiple satellite signals, seeking an orientation where a Correlated Power Function (CPF) is maximized. This orientation, relative to the input aiding system (ex. —INS) may provide a set of correction factors which enable the sensor (ex. —beamforming system) to utilize the input aiding system in an arbitrary orientation (ex. —as long as that arbitrary orientation is suitable for GPS reception).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Stratton
  • Patent number: 8477068
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, testing, and controlling alignment are provided, including an antenna assembly with an antenna and a receiver, the antenna configured to receive signals from a remote source, the receiver coupled to the antenna and configured to generate signal strength values associated with the signals from the remote source, and where the antenna assembly exhibits an azimuthal alignment relative to an axis determined by the antenna assembly and the remote source. Systems and methods provided herein further generate a first coarse-grained signal strength value from set of signal strength values generated by the receiver while the antenna assembly is at a first azimuthal alignment offset, and generate a measure that the first azimuthal alignment offset is at least one of: less than a predetermined azimuthal alignment offset, approximately equal to the predetermined azimuthal alignment offset, and greater than the predetermined azimuthal alignment magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tecom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Arsen Melconian, Daniel Lawrence Cordell, Douglas Kent Lafreniere, Steven Ow
  • Patent number: 8457026
    Abstract: Enhanced wireless speeds are obtained using multiple transmission beams. In one example, a transmitter has a signal processor to receive a plurality of data streams, a plurality of analog converters each coupled to the signal processor to receive the plurality of data streams from the signal processor and to modulate the data streams onto carrier waves, and a plurality of phase shifters each coupled to an analog converter to each receive a modulated stream. A first antenna is coupled to more than one of the plurality of phase shifters to receive the modulated data stream from each phase shifter and transmit it on its respective carrier wave, and a second antenna is coupled to receive at least one modulated data stream and transmit it on its respective carrier wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Sibeam, Inc.
    Inventors: Keang-Po Ricky Ho, Jianhan Liu, Guocong Song, Karim Nassiri Toussi, Jeffrey M. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8451171
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning an antenna to a satellite configuration and a method for aligning an antenna to a satellite configuration is disclosed. An alignment tool for aligning an antenna to a satellite configuration in accordance with the present invention comprises a meter for measuring a satellite downlink signal power from the antenna, a motor for adjusting at least one fine adjustment mechanism of the antenna, and a processor, coupled to the motor and to the meter, for commanding the motor based on the received power from the antenna, wherein the processor commands the motor to maximize a received power from the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Santoru
  • Publication number: 20130127666
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna apparatus, a system, and an adjusting method. The antenna apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with an RCU (remote control unit, external remote control unit). The antenna apparatus includes a readable and writable memory and a motor. The readable and writable memory is configured to store configuration data of an antenna and antenna information corresponding to the configuration data, where the configuration data is used to control the RCU to drive the motor to move, so as to adjust an electrical down-tilt angle of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130127665
    Abstract: The satellite television antenna device receives a set of desired satellite identifications (IDs) from a set top box (STB). The antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification of the satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if ID is possible. Then, if the candidate was identifiable, the antenna system compares the candidate's ID to the set of desired satellite IDs. If the candidate ID is a member of the set, then the satellite antenna's dish orientation is stored in memory. The antenna then attempts to acquire the remaining members of the set of desired satellite IDs until all members are acquired or no further candidates remain. If the candidate is not identifiable, or not a member of the set, then the antenna proceeds to the next satellite candidate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Miller, Sam Shuster
  • Publication number: 20130088390
    Abstract: An adjustment module, an electronic device with the adjustment module, and an antenna performance adjusting method thereof are disclosed. The adjustment module is used for adjusting an antenna module. The antenna module is disposed in the electronic device and used for radiating a wireless signal. The adjustment module includes a monitoring module, a determining module, and a capacitance adjusting unit. The monitoring module is used for detecting an alternating current signal waveform when the antenna module radiates the wireless signal. The determining module receives the alternating current signal waveform and is used for generating an adjusting voltage value when the alternating current signal waveform is a non-constant amplitude. The capacitance adjusting unit is used for changing a capacitance value according to the adjusting voltage value to adjust a resonance point coordinate of the antenna module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Yin-Tsai WANG
  • Patent number: 8417295
    Abstract: An antenna system has multiple antenna elements, and multiple connection points allowing multiple users to connect to the antenna system. Each connection point is connected to each of the antenna elements through respective amplitude control circuitry, with the beam shape for each user being controlled by the amplitude control circuitry in the paths between that user's connection point and the antenna elements. The beam shapes for the different users are then independently controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Deltenna Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Fox
  • Publication number: 20130050021
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for enhancing link integrity between two wireless cable devices through automatic link acquisition and tracking. Embodiments of the invention utilize inexpensive motors and control components to automatically enhancing signal strength between a first wireless cable device and a second wireless cable device. Either the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include an omnidirectional wireless antenna. Alternatively, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include a directional antenna. In another embodiment, the first wireless cable device, the second wireless cable device, or both may include both an omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: FiMax Technology Limited
    Inventors: Zizhou Vincent Wang, Hang Ching Jason Leung, Piu Bill Wong, Douglas R. George
  • Publication number: 20130044028
    Abstract: A intelligent backhaul radio have an advanced antenna system for use in PTP or PMP topologies. The antenna system provides a significant diversity benefit. Antenna configurations are disclosed that provide for increased transmitter to receiver isolation, adaptive polarization and MIMO transmission equalization. Adaptive optimization of transmission parameters based upon side information provided in the form of metric feedback from a far end receiver utilizing the antenna system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CBF NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: David Andrew G. LEA, Kevin J. NEGUS, James A. PROCTOR, JR.
  • Patent number: 8380132
    Abstract: A self-structuring antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a plurality of switch elements arranged with the antenna elements to, when selectively closed, electrically couple ones of the antenna elements to one another, and a switch controller for opening and closing the switch elements. The switch controller is operatively associated with the plurality of switch elements via a plurality of addressable switch controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis L. Nagy
  • Patent number: 8354958
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining alignment of a first subsystem relative to a second subsystem. The apparatus includes a first antenna system for simultaneously transmitting a delta pattern radiation beam at a first frequency and a sum pattern radiation beam at a second frequency. The apparatus also includes a second antenna system for receiving the delta pattern radiation beam at the first frequency and the sum pattern radiation beam at the second frequency. The apparatus also includes a processor to process the received delta pattern radiation beam and sum pattern radiation beam to determine if a predetermined alignment criterion between the first antenna system and the second antenna system is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gilbert M. Shows, Jacob Kim
  • Patent number: 8355635
    Abstract: A method for pointing control of a laser communication terminal on a spacecraft may include measuring a line-of-sight (LOS) error of the laser communication terminal. The method may also include estimating a LOS error of the laser communication terminal based on measurements from a spacecraft gyro and a gimbal gyro onboard the spacecraft. The method may further include switching from a LOS error measurement feedback to a LOS error estimate feedback to control pointing of the laser communication terminal during a power fade condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ketao Liu, Qinghong W. Wang
  • Publication number: 20130009819
    Abstract: An adjusting method of an antenna of the outdoor wireless access point includes steps of A. moving the antenna in a predetermined pointing range, and obtaining received signal strength indications in multiple pointing directions at different time points; B. separating the pointing range into at least two sub-ranges, and averaging the received signal strength indications in all pointing directions in each sub-range; and C. moving the antenna pointing at the sub-range in which the average received signal strength indication is the highest and setting the sub-range as the next predetermined pointing range, and repeating the steps A to C until the step C is executed a predetermined times. Besides, the composition elements of the outer wireless access point are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: SZU-CHENG WU, TAN-CHUN LU
  • Publication number: 20130009818
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a positional state of an airborne array antenna using distributed accelerometers are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Brendan H. Robinson, John H. Steele, II, Clifton Quan, Leo H. Hui
  • Patent number: 8335170
    Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for the transmission of broadcasts. For instance, an apparatus may include a sequence selection module, and multiple radiating elements. The sequence selection module selects sequences of directional transmission patterns, where each selected sequence corresponds to a time period. The multiple radiating elements wirelessly transmit a broadcast at the time periods in accordance with the selected sequences. The broadcast may include, for example, beacons, and/or a data broadcast, and/or a control broadcast and/or a management broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos Cordeiro
  • Publication number: 20120299772
    Abstract: A device for a wireless RF link to a remote receiving device can radiate at different radiation patterns in response to detecting a change in the device position. As the device is moved, displaced, or re-positioned, a position sensor in the device detects the change in position and provides position information to a processor. The processor receives the position information from the position sensor, selects an antenna configuration and physical data rate based on the position information, and provides an RF signal associated with the selected antenna configuration through the antenna elements of the selected antenna configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Victor Shtrom, Bernard Baron, William S. Kish