Rotary Or Rotary Oscillatory Motion Patents (Class 343/763)
  • Patent number: 11374331
    Abstract: A base station antenna comprises two arrays of radiating elements each configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; two backplanes each configured to reflect respective electromagnetic radiation outwardly, wherein the two backplanes are positioned with a mechanical tilt relative to each other such that the respective electromagnetic radiation are directed in different directions in the azimuth plane; and two plate assemblies each configured to reflect a first portion of received electromagnetic radiation inwardly while allowing a second portion to pass outwardly through the respective plate assembly, where the two plate assemblies are positioned to form two Fabry-Perot cavities with the two backplanes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technololgies LLC
    Inventor: Changfu Chen
  • Patent number: 10260566
    Abstract: An actuator for a marine antenna having a base with a mount adapted to be fixed to a surface of a vessel, a fixed worm gear arranged on the base, a worm arranged in a gear housing and engaged with the fixed worm gear, a motor comprising an output shaft connected to the worm, the motor being arranged in a motor housing mounted to the gear housing, and an antenna coupler connected to the gear housing. The gear housing is adapted to mate with the base for rotation about the fixed worm gear upon rotation of the worm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Mark H. Salerno
  • Patent number: 10205229
    Abstract: Provided is a wave energy radiating apparatus capable of downsizing with a simple structure. The wave energy radiating apparatus includes a radiation-direction changing and maintaining unit including a linear-movement generator (8, 10) where wave energy is radiated, and is configured to generate power required to change a direction of radiation of the wave energy radiating unit (2) linearly along the wave energy radiating unit (2), a direction changer (13) configured to change a direction of the power generated by the linear-movement generator (8, 10) toward the wave energy radiating unit (2) to turn the wave energy radiating unit (2), and a force applying member (9) configured to apply a force to the wave energy radiating unit (2) in a direction against the turning of the wave energy radiating unit (2), which is caused by the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Oba
  • Patent number: 10038238
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly provides an attachment of an antenna tower to an antenna that includes back ring attached to an antenna reflector. The assembly includes a horizontal beam and a bracket. The bracket includes a first, e.g. planar, portion and a second, e.g. planar, portion that meet at a corner. The first portion is configured to fasten to the antenna back ring and the second portion is configured to attach to the horizontal beam. The second portion includes a pivot slot for receiving a first fastener connecting the bracket to the horizontal beam, and includes a circular hole for receiving a second fastener connecting the bracket to the horizontal beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Asaad R Elsaadani
  • Patent number: 8963788
    Abstract: An antenna system includes at least one antenna and one X-Y mount, said mount being composed of at least three mechanical elements, the first element being a base, the second element being a lower box, the third element being a upper box, the antenna of the system being fixed to the upper box. The components of the antenna downlead are distributed in the various elements composing the X-Y mount, an OMT type junction included in the upper box enabling separation of the components of the downlead into two separate paths, a first path called the ascending path comprising components for amplifying and processing signals to be transmitted by the antenna, a second path called the descending path comprising components for processing and amplifying signals received by the antenna, the components associated with these paths being placed on either side of the various elements of the X-Y mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Thierry Lucidarme, Marc Touret
  • Patent number: 8935122
    Abstract: An alignment device provides position information for an antenna coupled to an extendable tower. The alignment device can provide position data including pitch data, roll data, and azimuth data. The position data can be collected at multiple times, and reported to a remote computing device. The position data can be reported as the raw measured data, a delta between two sets of position data, or other data. The alignment device may be solar powered and include a transceiver client for communicating with a remote computing device via a transceiver server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: US Tower Corp.
    Inventor: Daryl A. Stisser
  • Patent number: 8797221
    Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal to achieve dynamic antenna performance is disclosed. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize one or more liquid metal sections that can be variably displaced. Utilizing liquid metal may reduce certain undesirable effects associated with more conventional mechanical reconfigurable antennas including mechanical failure due to material fatigue, creep, and/or wear. Precise microfluidic techniques may be utilized in the design of a reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize a circular Yagi-Uda array design and include movable parasitic director and reflector elements implemented using liquid metal (e.g., mercury (Hg)). The parasitic elements may be placed and rotated in a circular microfluidic channel around a driven antenna element utilizing a flow generated and controlled by a piezoelectric micropump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Bedri A. Cetiner, Yasin Damgaci, Luis Jofre, Daniel Rodrigo
  • Patent number: 8786514
    Abstract: A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Redline Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gerald Dickie, Bojan Subasic, Rodney Edward Cronin
  • Patent number: 8743013
    Abstract: A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Redline Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gerald Dickie, Bojan Subasic, Rodney Edward Cronin
  • Patent number: 8675617
    Abstract: A client station in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system includes a beam commutation algorithm and a smart antenna responsive to the beam commutation algorithm for selecting one of a plurality of directional antenna beams. The smart antenna is configured as a virtual omni-directional antenna by using a commutation of switched directional antenna beams. A switched directional antenna system that performs a commutation sequencing can be blind to environmental conditions and changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Inhyok Cha, Keith Baldwin, Yingxue Li
  • Patent number: 8624789
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of an antenna using a rotatory power is disclosed, wherein a remote control unit is easily combined with the apparatus. The apparatus in an antenna having a phase shifter includes a power delivering member connected to the phase shifter, and a driving member combined with the power delivering member, and for providing a power to the power delivering member. Here, an inserting section is formed at a part of outside surfaces of the driving member, a remote control unit is inserted into the inserting section and rotates the driving member, and the power delivering member rotates in response to the power provided from the driving member. Accordingly, any given member is not removed when the remote control unit is combined with the apparatus. As a result, the remote control unit may be easily combined with the apparatus, and any member is not lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ace Antenna Corp.
    Inventors: Gun-Seok Oh, Byung-II Oh, Byung-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8576134
    Abstract: A rotary casing of a satellite antenna having an angle adjustable display screen includes a supporting arm, a hollow casing, a rotating means and an adjusting and controlling assembly. The casing has a panel provided with two keys and a top surface provided with a window. The rotating means is provided in the casing and controlled by the keys to drive the rotation of the supporting arm. The adjusting and controlling assembly is provided in the casing and includes a control unit and a display unit. The two keys are electrically connected to the control unit to drive the supporting arm. By this arrangement, the control unit receives an adjustment instruction inputted by the keys and transmits the instruction to the rotating means to generate a corresponding amount of rotation, while the control unit converts the instruction into a numerical value to be displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Timotion Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Wei Lan
  • Patent number: 8564497
    Abstract: A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Redline Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gerald Dickie, Bojan Subasic, Rodney Edward Cronin
  • Patent number: 8508320
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a translating telemetry stationary antenna. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for automatically aligning a stationary antenna with a corresponding rotor antenna. The method provides for mounting a stationary antenna with respect to a rotor antenna associated with a rotor. The method includes mounting a stationary antenna to an inner circumference of a support frame, mounting a plurality of radial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining radial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna, and mounting a plurality of axial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining axial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Derek Ray Wilson, R. David Jones, Donald Shaw, Raymond Lavigne
  • Publication number: 20130141274
    Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: DETECT, INC.
    Inventor: DETECT, INC.
  • Patent number: 8450895
    Abstract: A 3-D servo positioning system which may be used for positioning solar panels or other devices has a part-spherical socket member and a ball rotatably engaged in the socket member. Plural electromagnets are positioned in a predetermined pattern in the socket member, while one or more magnets are mounted in an end portion of the ball located in the socket. A shaft extends from a part of the ball outside the socket and a device to be positioned is mounted on the end of the shaft. A controller is programmed to actuate selected electromagnets based on sensor inputs so as to move the ball in the socket and adjust the angle and direction of the device attached to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Levitate IP, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan R. Howard
  • Patent number: 8410988
    Abstract: A dual mode rotary joint as described herein can be utilized in an electromagnetic communication system such as a radar system. The dual mode rotary joint can be used to rotatably couple an antenna architecture to its mounting structure. One embodiment of the dual mode joint includes a waveguide configured to propagate radio frequency (RF) signals, and endcaps coupled to the ends of the waveguide. Each endcap is reflective for RF signals and transmissive for optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Derek E. Iverson, Jonathan M. Saint Clair
  • Patent number: 8373589
    Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: DeTect, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew McLaughlin, Megan Maureen Sloan, Elias Moises Lau
  • Patent number: 8362964
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for adjusting an antenna angle includes: an inputting unit, configured to input preset angle information of an antenna; a sensing unit, configured to perform sensing and obtain angle information of the antenna; a processing unit, configured to compare the angle information of the antenna with the preset angle information of the antenna according to the angle information of the antenna and the preset angle information of the antenna, and control a prompting unit to send a prompt when the angle information of the antenna is consistent with the preset angle information of the antenna; and the prompting unit, configured to send the prompt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youhe Ke, Tiesheng Zhang, Maosheng Huang, Haifeng Wang
  • Patent number: 8330661
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for measuring an antenna radiation pattern in a Fresnel region based on a phi-variation method. The system includes a rotator for changing angles of a reference antenna and a target antenna; a vector network analyzer for obtaining radiation pattern data in accordance with transmission/reception radio frequency (RF) signals between the reference antenna and the target antenna; a measurement unit for calculating a far-field radiation pattern based on the radiation pattern data received from the vector network analyzer; and a controller for controlling the rotator according to a measurement angle transmitted from the measurement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Soon-Soo Oh, Yong-Hee Cho, Je-Hoon Yun, Joung-Myoun Kim, Jung-Ick Moon
  • Patent number: 8322332
    Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: William E. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120280874
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base station antenna, that includes two or more reflector plates, each provided with a radiating element. The base station antenna also includes a reflector plate connecting member connected to each reflector plate for enabling the rotation of the reflector plates. The base station antenna also includes a reflector plate controller providing control signals for controlling the rotation and stoppage of the reflector plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: In-Ho Kim, Jae-Jun Lee, Kee-Bum Kim, Chang-Woo Yoo
  • Publication number: 20120268333
    Abstract: An antenna system includes at least one antenna and one X-Y mount, said mount being composed of at least three mechanical elements, the first element being a base, the second element being a lower box, the third element being a upper box, the antenna of the system being fixed to the upper box. The components of the antenna downlead are distributed in the various elements composing the X-Y mount, an OMT type junction included in the upper box enabling separation of the components of the downlead into two separate paths, a first path called the ascending path comprising components for amplifying and processing signals to be transmitted by the antenna, a second path called the descending path comprising components for processing and amplifying signals received by the antenna, the components associated with these paths being placed on either side of the various elements of the X-Y mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Thierry Lucidarme, Marc Touret
  • Publication number: 20120268334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-performance helical antenna element and array thereof for use in an aircraft communication system or the like, where stringent spatial restrictions and gain requirements generally apply. The performance of the array is enhanced by connecting conductive plates to the windings of the antenna elements at the terminal ends thereof such that the conductive plates are offset from the axes of the antenna elements and toward the center of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: EMS TECHNOLOGIES CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Peter C. Strickland, Timothy Edward Best
  • Publication number: 20120218159
    Abstract: An auxiliary device for adjusting an antenna angle includes: an inputting unit, configured to input preset angle information of an antenna; a sensing unit, configured to perform sensing and obtain angle information of the antenna; a processing unit, configured to compare the angle information of the antenna with the preset angle information of the antenna according to the angle information of the antenna and the preset angle information of the antenna, and control a prompting unit to send a prompt when the angle information of the antenna is consistent with the preset angle information of the antenna; and the prompting unit, configured to send the prompt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Youhe KE, Tiesheng ZHANG, Maosheng HUANG, Haifeng WANG
  • Publication number: 20120194398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmitting device, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, an array-type antenna having an axis of transmission (T-T) and a guiding conduit for guiding the electromagnetic radiation from the source to the antenna. The antenna is able to rotate relative to the radiation source around an axis (X-X), the axis (X-X) being angularly offset from the axis of transmission (T-T) and the guiding conduit comprises a first waveguide extending along the axis of rotation (X-X) of the antenna and rigidly connected to the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Brasile, Friedman Tchoffo Talom, Patrick Sirot
  • Patent number: 8219161
    Abstract: A portable terminal, which is small sized, excellent in portability, and having high operability for various functions other than a call function, is provided. Two housings are connected such that they can be extended in directions different from each other. The housings have a retraction state, a first extension state, a second extension state, and a third extension state that is a state achieved by further sliding the housings from the second extension into another state. Broadcast receiving conditions are improved by changing the length of an antenna for receiving digital broadcast reception in the second extension state and the third extension state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Michiaki Hiraoka, Hiroshi Tsukiji
  • Patent number: 8184058
    Abstract: A torque arm assembly for connecting first generally circular cylindrical and second rotatable concentric bodies, rotatable about a common axis of rotation and separated by a given radial distance defined between the inner surface of the first rotatable body and the outer surface of the second rotatable body. The assembly includes an axial assembly positioned along the radial axis between the rotatable bodies and having a first end coupled to the first rotatable body and a second end coupled to a transverse body. A transverse shaft is fixedly coupled to the second rotatable body via a pair of support members. The transverse body is adapted to translate along an axis, transverse to the radial axis and relative to the transverse shaft. The axial assembly has a length that is axially variable to compensate for variations in the given radial distance between the rotatable bodies during rotation of the rotatable bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8184059
    Abstract: Gimbal power systems and methods are operable to provide power to a device attached to the gimbal. An exemplary embodiment is configured to rotate a rotational member of the gimbal system about an axis, wherein a stator of a rotary power transformer affixed to the rotational member rotates about the axis, and wherein an end of an electrical connection coupled to a power connector of a rotor winding of the rotary power transformer remains substantially stationary as the stator of the rotary power transformer rotates about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Bunch, Steve Mowry, Paul Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8149176
    Abstract: A device for controlling a satellite tracking antenna. An azimuth drive is configured to impart an azimuthal rotational motion to the antenna about an azimuth axis. An elevation axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about an elevation axis orthogonal to the azimuth axis. A tilt axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about a tilt axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Daniel Hellberg
  • Patent number: 8121533
    Abstract: A wireless local loop system is provided that includes a wireless base station that communicates with a subscriber station via a wireless link. The wireless link can carry a voice service, such as telephone calls, or a data service, such as internet browsing. The subscriber station includes a steerable antenna. A presently preferred steerable antenna for use with the subscriber station includes a driven element mounted on a base plane that is surrounded by a plurality of parasitic elements also mounted to the base plane. The parasitic elements can be optionally grounded or floated in order to reflect the wireless link towards the driven element. The antenna can be oriented in a desired direction during the transception of a voice or data service. A method of transceiving between a wireless local loop subscriber station and a wireless local loop base station is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Wi-LAN, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blodgett, Fred J. Heinzman
  • Publication number: 20120013515
    Abstract: A rotating antenna for radio frequency (RF) communication. The antenna comprises a pedestal and a rotating base supporting at least one antenna reflector and an RF transmission/reception unit, the pedestal and the rotating base being parallelly mounted, a rotary joint positioned to allow a transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between the rotating base and the pedestal during a rotational motion of one relative to the other around a rotation axis, an encoder set to follow the rotational motion, a plurality slip rings positioned to encircle a vertical profile of the rotary joint between the pedestal and the rotating base so that an electric contact is maintained therebetween during the rotational motion, and an annular bearing positioned to radially encompass the encoder and the plurality slip rings around the rotation axis and to constrain the rotational motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Zacharia Berejik
  • Publication number: 20110291878
    Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: DETECT, INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN, MEGAN MAUREEN SLOAN, ELIAS MOISES LAU
  • Patent number: 8054233
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Holt, E. Mitchell Blalock, Christopher E. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20110241954
    Abstract: A physical angle of a portion of a variable element, such as a phase shifter, is used to determine a desired antenna beam attribute, such as beam downtilt. In one example, a variable element includes a stationary circuit board and a rotatable circuit board. The stationary circuit board has at least one transmission line having a first output and a second output. The rotatable circuit board includes an input and a coupling section, the coupling section located to capacitively couple an input signal to the at least one transmission line between the first output and the second output, and the accelerometer being oriented such that it provides a signal indicative of a physical angle of the rotatable circuit board with respect to vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Quoc M. Le
  • Patent number: 8022885
    Abstract: A system for re-aligning an antenna communicating signals point-to-point. The system may include a first antenna, a second antenna configured to communicate a communications signal with the first antenna using point-to-point communications, and a position controller coupled to the first antenna and configured to re-align the first antenna with respect to the second antenna in response to determining a misalignment of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton J. Smoyer, Shane M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8009117
    Abstract: Dual reflector offset mechanical pointing low profile telecommunication antenna, to be used above all on vehicles, even high-speed ones. Its reduced physical dimensions facilitate its use, with respect to the known solutions, as it allows its connecting to the receiving system, such as a satellite, though installed on a train or on an aircraft. The invention lies within the technical field of telecommunications and the applicative field of stationary, movable antennas of reduced dimensions, and accordingly within that of telecommunications in general. The original dual reflector antenna is obtained from a second-order polynomial that configurates it in the Cartesian space XYZ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tes Teleinformatica e Sistemi S.R.L.
    Inventors: Raimondo Lo Forti, Giancarlo Bellaveglia, Luca Marcellini
  • Patent number: 8009116
    Abstract: For two-dimensional imaging of scenes through continuous passive or active microwave scanning, use is made of a fully mechanized directional antenna array comprising a main reflector (1), a primary radiator array (3) and a subreflector (2) having a small size in comparison to the main reflector and being tilted relative to the optical axis (7) of the directional antenna array. First drive means (8) are operative to rotate the subreflector (2) about the optical axis (7), and second drive means (17,18) are operative to move the total directional antenna array in a direction approximately vertical to the optical axis (7). The moving speed of the subreflector (2) is very high in comparison to that of the total directional antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Markus Peichl, Stephan Dill, Matthias Jirousek, Dominik Berthel
  • Publication number: 20110156974
    Abstract: An antenna array for a mobile communications network is disclosed which comprise mechanical devices for altering a direction of a first beam and electronic beam forming apparatus for shaping a second beam. A method for tilting radio beams in a mobile communications network using the antenna array is also disclosed. The method comprises mechanical tilting a first protocol radio beam and electronic tilting a second protocol radio beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Kenington, Martin Weckerle, Dirk Neumann
  • Patent number: 7969375
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for rotating a parabolic antenna about a central point is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface and may also be coupled with the support member. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about the central point. The spherical structure may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure and may also include a second plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be coupled with the parabolic antenna, and at least a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the arms about the central point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Mitchell Blalock
  • Publication number: 20110134005
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of an antenna using a rotatory power is disclosed, wherein a remote control unit is easily combined with the apparatus. The apparatus in an antenna having a phase shifter includes a power delivering member connected to the phase shifter, and a driving member combined with the power delivering member, and for providing a power to the power delivering member. Here, an inserting section is formed at a part of outside surfaces of the driving member, a remote control unit is inserted into the inserting section and rotates the driving member, and the power delivering member rotates in response to the power provided from the driving member. Accordingly, any given member is not removed when the remote control unit is combined with the apparatus. As a result, the remote control unit may be easily combined with the apparatus, and any member is not lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ACE ANTENNA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gun-Seok Oh, Byung-Il Oh, Byung-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7932868
    Abstract: A reflector network antenna (A) comprising i) a source (S) delivering wave signals; ii) at least two reflector networks (RR1-RR9) which are different and independent and which both comprise at least two phase shifter cells which selectively phase shift the waves delivered by the source (S) and bring about a selected frequency phase dispersion thereof, said selective phase shifting and selective dispersion varying from one reflector network to another; and iii) a charging device (DC) which is coupled to the reflector networks (RR1-RR9) and which is used to place one of them in a selected position in relation to the source (S) such that the waves that it delivers are phase shifted and phase dispersed at a frequency imposed by said phase shifter cells in order to be reflected in a selected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Hervé Legay, Béatrice Salome, Gérard Caille, Jean-Didier Gayrard, Yoann Jacquet
  • Publication number: 20110090127
    Abstract: A torque arm assembly for connecting first generally circular cylindrical and second rotatable concentric bodies, rotatable about a common axis of rotation and separated by a given radial distance defined between the inner surface of the first rotatable body and the outer surface of the second rotatable body. The assembly includes an axial assembly positioned along the radial axis between the rotatable bodies and having a first end coupled to the first rotatable body and a second end coupled to a transverse body. A transverse shaft is fixedly coupled to the second rotatable body via a pair of support members. The transverse body is adapted to translate along an axis, transverse to the radial axis and relative to the transverse shaft. The axial assembly has a length that is axially variable to compensate for variations in the given radial distance between the rotatable bodies during rotation of the rotatable bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110063179
    Abstract: A rotatable reflector antenna system that supports on-the-move communications to and from a mobile land, airborne, or maritime vehicle with a remote communication device, such as a geostationary satellite. The antenna system can include a pillbox antenna, a line feed antenna, or an array of horn antennas that convey electromagnetic waves between a transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) and a reflector. The reflector may be embodied as a singly curved, parabolic cylinder reflector coupled to support members in a manner that enables the reflector to rotate with respect to the antenna. The reflector can rotate in a first direction, such as an elevation rotation, and the entire antenna system including the reflector can be mounted to a turntable or other rotatable platform that rotates in a second direction, such as an azimuth rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Michael G. Guler
  • Patent number: 7907096
    Abstract: A phase shifter includes two or more conductive strips, an input line and a wiper coupled to both the input line and the conductive strips. Rotation of the wiper about a pivot point alters the path lengths between the input line and output ports or antenna elements connected to the conductive strips. The wiper is a multi-bladed wiper. Phase errors in multi-bladed wiper-type phase shifters are reduced. Arrangements for reduction of phase shifter size or increase in phase shift range are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Igor E. Timofeev, Martin L. Zimmerman, Ai Xiangyang
  • Patent number: 7859475
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and controlling a spherical, inflatable antenna includes a driven rotating table disposed in the horizontal plane which supports and drives a horizontal arm member to which is hingedly connected first and second upright support members at either end. The upright support members include journal bearings attachable to the surface of an inflatable antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GATR Technologies
    Inventors: Paul A. Gierow, William R. Clayton
  • Publication number: 20100321260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual-feed antenna. The invention provides an antenna comprising first and second electromagnetic radiation paths which join to form a common third electromagnetic radiation path, wherein the first path is rotatable with respect to the second path. In this way, two antenna feeds can be directed independently of one another, whilst combining the electromagnetic radiation paths from the antenna feeds then allows a common set of components to be used in signal analysis or generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Balbir Kumar
  • Patent number: 7834563
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controllably moving a plurality of antennae in a wireless communications system. The method comprises activating a first and second actuator associated with a first and second one of the plurality of antennae to move the first and second antennae to a desired position. The power delivered to the first and second actuators is measured, and at least one parameter of at least one of the first and second actuators is reduced in response to the measured power being greater than a setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Claus Martin Keuker, Guenter Lothar Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100245196
    Abstract: A pointing apparatus for pointing an object at a target along a pointing axis, including a joint enabling at least yaw and pitch of the object with respect to a base, at least one actuator operative to effect the yaw and pitch of the object by effecting at least one of rotating the object about a first axis perpendicular to the pointing axis to form a first rotation angle, and rotating the object about a second axis perpendicular to both the pointing axis and the first axis, effecting a second rotation angle, where, while effecting at least one of a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the object, the object is concurrently rotated about the pointing axis at a roll angle corresponding to the yaw angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: EYAL MIRON
  • Publication number: 20100207834
    Abstract: A small antenna system for communications on-the-move (“COTM”) with a geostationary or geosynchronous satellite to and from a land mobile, maritime or airborne vehicle is disclosed. The antenna system provides a robust and simple means of establishing communications with a satellite or remote computer device. Further embodiments of systems and methods of the various aspects of the present invention mitigate RF losses customary in existing horn antennas. Embodiments also facilitate COTM by utilizing novel antenna configurations that tightly integrate RF electronics while dissipating generated heat via an antenna compartment that may be designed to function as or be used in conjunction with a heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Per Wahlberg, Kennet Lejnell