With Phasing Patents (Class 343/778)
  • Patent number: 11715880
    Abstract: A waveguide structure for a compact and scalable dual-polarized antenna array. In one example, a waveguide device comprises septum polarizers dividing common waveguides into first waveguides associated with a first polarization and second waveguides associated with a second polarization. The sets of septum polarizers may be inverted relative to each other to form first groups of four adjacent first waveguides for each type of waveguide. The waveguide device may also include a waveguide feed network including a first waveguide feed stage including waveguide combiner/dividers coupled between the four adjacent waveguides intermediate waveguides. The waveguide device may further include a second waveguide feed stage coupled with the first intermediate waveguides and the second intermediate waveguides, wherein the second waveguide feed stage extends in a direction perpendicular to the first waveguide feed stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Viasat Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Bongard, Stefano Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11502421
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, disclosed is an antenna comprising: a first waveguide having a first signal transmission path; a second waveguide connected to the first waveguide; and an antenna unit connected to the second waveguide and having a first opening, wherein the second waveguide comprises a first separator for separating the signal transmission path, and the antenna unit comprises a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Hwan Kim, Sae Won Oh
  • Patent number: 11469787
    Abstract: A divider for dividing a radio signal includes an input port, a plurality of output ports and a cavity having one surface coupled to the input port and other surface coupled to the plurality of output ports. The other surface is formed as a curved surface, and the plurality of output ports is disposed on the other surface at certain intervals. The side of the cavity is slantly formed from the one surface to the other surface at a certain angle. The distances between the input port and the plurality of output ports is the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dangoh Kim, Jaehoon Chung, Sangrim Lee, Dongho Cho, Juyong Lee, Seungwon Keum, Seongjae Kim, Sangmi Noh
  • Patent number: 11342677
    Abstract: The present invention provides a balanced dipole unit and a broadband omnidirectional collinear array antenna formed by the balanced dipole unit. Balanced dipole unit circuits in the balanced dipole unit are symmetrically distributed on two sides of a circuit carrier, and a feeder and a ground wire in the balanced dipole unit are also symmetrically distributed, so that the balanced dipole unit has a completely symmetrical structure. A principle of the symmetrical structure is the same as a differential design principle and a self-balancing principle in the circuit design, thereby reducing current coupling between the balanced dipole units and eliminating the need of using an additional choke circuit when a broadband omnidirectional collinear array antenna is formed by the balanced dipole unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yazi Cao, Jan Koivunen, Tong Li
  • Patent number: 11309622
    Abstract: Apparatus for attaching an orthogonal mode transducer, OMT, to an antenna, wherein said apparatus comprises a frame for receiving said OMT, and an antenna interface device for establishing a radio frequency, RF, signal connection between said OMT and said antenna, wherein said frame comprises a supporting surface for releasably attaching said antenna interface device to said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: NOKIA SHANGHAI BELL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Loic Isambard
  • Patent number: 11309637
    Abstract: Radiofrequency module, including: a first layer including an array of radiating elements, each radiating element having a cross section for supporting at least one wave propagation mode, a second layer forming an array of waveguides; a fourth layer forming an array of ports; the second layer being interposed between the first and the fourth layer; each waveguide being connected to a port on the one hand and to a radiating element on the other hand for transmitting a radiofrequency signal between this port and this radiating element; the spacing between two ports being different from the spacing between the radiating elements, so that the surface area of the first layer is different from the surface area of the fourth layer; the waveguides being curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: SWISSTO12 SA
    Inventors: Esteban Menargues Gomez, Santiago Capdevila Cascante, Emile de Rijk, Tomislav Debogovic
  • Patent number: 11199608
    Abstract: The present invention is an antenna provided with: a plurality of radiating parts formed on a base plate; a waveguide tube inside of which radio waves emitted from the radiating parts propagate; a lens having a plurality of curved surfaces having a substantially hyperbolic shape and disposed in an opening of the waveguide tube; and a protruding part formed in a tapered shape between the plurality of radiating parts. The tip of the protruding part is formed at a position lower than an opening surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nagaishi, Akira Kuriyama, Akira Kitayama, Hiroshi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 11177558
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first cover member configured to define an exterior surface of an electronic device, the first cover member including a first conductive portion (30) defining at least a first edge (32) and a second edge (34) of the electronic device, the first edge (32) being shorter than the second edge (34) and defining an aperture (36) therein; a first feed point (26) coupled to the first conductive portion along the first edge (32) at a first side of the aperture (36); and a second feed point (28) coupled to the first conductive portion along the first edge (32) at a second side of the aperture (36), opposite to the first side of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Joonas Krogerus, Ruiyuan Tian
  • Patent number: 11156777
    Abstract: It is provided a method for producing a polarization converter The method comprising the following steps: producing a first converter element which has a base side, an upper side extending parallel to the base side, and a longitudinal side oriented obliquely at an angle ?1 to the base side or a curved longitudinal side; producing a second converter element which has a base side, an upper side extending parallel to the base side, and a longitudinal side oriented obliquely at an angle ?2 to the base side or a curved longitudinal side; arranging the first and the second converter element in series in such a way that the obliquely oriented or curved longitudinal sides point in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FĂ–RDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Moritz Baier, Francisco Soares
  • Patent number: 10784586
    Abstract: An antenna system (201) comprising a set of transmitting elements (320A-K) and a set of receiving elements (310A-N) formed on a same or different planar surface (210), an electromagnetic lens (220) to focus electromagnetic rays transmitted from the set of transmitting elements (320A-K), a convex secondary antenna (240) operative to reflect the electromagnetic rays and a concave parabolic primary antenna (230) operative to transmit the electromagnetic rays in a first direction such that, the lens, the convex secondary antenna and the concave parabolic primary antenna together provide a transmitting gain in the first direction. The set of transmitting elements are disposed at central area of the planar surface and the set of receiving elements are disposed on the periphery of the central area such that the set of receiving elements occupy larger area on the planar surface compared to the set of transmitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: Ganesan Thiagarajan, Saravanakumar Ganeshan
  • Patent number: 10531185
    Abstract: A stackable horn configured such that a plurality of substantially identical horns can be stacked to form an array. Each horn diminishes in interior area from a mouth to a throat thereof and is vertically taller and longitudinally deeper than it is wide. The horn or array may be secured to a support. In the array, the horns are similar or identical and are arranged side-by-side with a space in between or in abutting contact. An aperture is defined in the throat of each horn and a microphone is positioned within the throat of each horn in the array. The arrangement of horns in the array permits beamforming and as a result allows simultaneous detection, tracking, and identification of multiple targets. Listening distance is greatly increased by utilizing the horn or the array of horns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Lang
  • Patent number: 10498016
    Abstract: An antenna includes an antenna body formed with a cylindrical shape having a radiation surface, an outer surface and an inner surface, and a plurality of partitions protruding from the inner surface to a central axis of the antenna body, wherein a plurality of radiation apertures is formed by the plurality of partitions, and the plurality of radiation apertures is formed in the radiation surface and is configured to radiate a radio wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Dongjin Kim
  • Patent number: 10381724
    Abstract: A parabolic cylindrical reflector antenna that comprises two or more antenna feeds each directed towards a parabolic cylindrical reflector, wherein the antenna feeds are positioned in one or more line-arrays parallel to a focal line of the parabolic cylindrical reflector, and the line-array is substantially centered opposing the reflector. The antenna comprises a controller configured to scan along a straight edge of the reflector by electronically adjusting a phase of each of the antenna feeds, thereby changing the incident angle of an energy beam relative to the reflector. The controller is configured to scan along a curved edge of the reflector by moving, using a mechanical positioning mechanism, the antenna feeds in a direction parallel to a directrix of the reflector while maintaining the positioning or by electronically selecting one of two or more parallel line-arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Elad, Daniel Friedman, Noam Kaminski, Ofer Markish, Alberto Valdes Garcia
  • Patent number: 10374308
    Abstract: A signal distribution network for an N-port antenna arrangement. The signal distribution network comprises first circuitry for receiving at least one input signal and implementing splitting of the at least one input signal into N/2 output signals, where N>1. The signal distribution network comprises second circuitry for providing N output signals to a respective antenna port and implementing splitting of N/2 input signals into the N output signals. The signal distribution network comprises switching circuitry, the switching circuitry being operatively connected between the first circuitry and the second circuitry, the switching circuitry implementing selectable connectivity between the first circuitry and the second circuitry such that the N/2 output signals of the first circuitry are provided as the N/2 input signals of the second circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (PUBL)
    Inventor: Johan Thorebäck
  • Patent number: 10158170
    Abstract: A parabolic cylindrical reflector antenna that comprises two or more antenna feeds each directed towards a parabolic cylindrical reflector, wherein the antenna feeds are positioned in one or more line-arrays parallel to a focal line of the parabolic cylindrical reflector, and the line-array is substantially centered opposing the reflector. The antenna comprises a controller configured to scan along a straight edge of the reflector by electronically adjusting a phase of each of the antenna feeds, thereby changing the incident angle of an energy beam relative to the reflector. The controller is configured to scan along a curved edge of the reflector by moving, using a mechanical positioning mechanism, the antenna feeds in a direction parallel to a directrix of the reflector while maintaining the positioning or by electronically selecting one of two or more parallel line-arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Elad, Daniel Friedman, Noam Kaminski, Ofer Markish, Alberto Valdes Garcia
  • Patent number: 9991607
    Abstract: An antenna horn includes an upper waveguide ridge and a lower waveguide ridge shaped to provide impedance matching. The antenna horn operates unimodally within a 6:1 instantaneous bandwidth. A circular array of antenna horns produces an enhanced radiation pattern in a horizontal plane with reduced radiating in the direction orthogonal to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, two circular arrays of half-height antenna horns may be arranged on a collinear axis, offset by one half of a sector width as defined by each horn aperture to reduce coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. West, Jiwon L. Moran
  • Patent number: 9774097
    Abstract: A communications system including an antenna array and electronics assembly that may be mounted on and in a vehicle. The communication system may generally comprise an external subassembly that is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle, and an internal subassembly that is located within the vehicle, the external and internal subassemblies being communicatively coupled to one another. The external subassembly may comprise the antenna array as well as mounting equipment and steering actuators to move the antenna array in azimuth, elevation and polarization (for example, to track a satellite or other signal source). The internal subassembly may comprise most of the electronics associated with the communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ASTRONICS AEROSAT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard E. Clymer, Frank J. Blanda
  • Patent number: 9685707
    Abstract: An antenna is provided and includes a radiator aperture assembly including a plurality of radiator sticks, each radiator stick including a row of radiating elements configured to transmit and receive RF energy and a body having opposite sides, conductive elements coupled to the radiating elements and a plate disposed proximate to the radiator aperture assembly through which the conductive elements extend. Complementary opposite sides of the respective bodies of adjacent radiator sticks and a surface of the plate are configured to form a slot radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Crockett, Jr., James A. Carr, Rohn Sauer
  • Patent number: 9537209
    Abstract: An array of antenna feed elements includes a plurality of horns, each horn having an aperture and configured for transmission of electromagnetic energy therethrough. At least a first horn is configured with an electrically conductive external surface proximate to the aperture, the external surface contoured so as to reduce mutual coupling between the first horn and an adjacent horn. Where the electromagnetic energy is within a radio frequency (RF) band, the external surface is contoured so as to provide an abrupt change in a gap dimension between the first horn and an adjacent horn, the change occurring at a distance behind the aperture of equal to a multiple of one half the characteristic wavelength of the RF band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Z. Petkov, Peter S. Simon
  • Patent number: 9478864
    Abstract: There is provided a waveguide horn array, a method for forming the waveguide horn array, and an antenna system. The array includes a rectangular metal plate which is processed to have a cross section comprised of a plurality of rectangular holes arranged in the length direction of the rectangular metal plate, the lower part of each hole being formed as a rectangular waveguide, and the upper part of each hole being formed as a horn; and a groove extending in the direction along which the plurality of holes are arranged and having a predetermined depth, which is formed at two sides of the holes on the top surface of the rectangular metal plate. According to the embodiments, it is possible to maintain the good properties of the antenna in terms of bandwidth and directivity, while enhancing the isolation between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Ziran Zhao, Zhiqiang Chen, Yuanjing Li, Wanlong Wu, Jieqing Yang, Wenguo Liu, Xilei Luo, Bin Sang, Lei Zheng
  • Patent number: 9472860
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a radar array assembly comprises providing a mounting plate including first mounting holes and second mounting holes, at least some of the second mounting holes being between at least some of the first mounting holes. Grooved posts having longitudinal grooves are installed within the first mounting holes, and panel sections of antenna elements are disposed within the longitudinal grooves of adjacent installed grooved posts. Each of the antenna elements further includes a connector section that is disposed within the second mounting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Ann M. Wiser
  • Patent number: 9293835
    Abstract: A communication system including a plurality of horn antennas, a waveguide feed network, and a converter unit coupled to the plurality of horn antennas is disclosed. The waveguide feed network is coupled to each horn antenna, splits an information signal into a first component signal having a first polarization and a second component signal having a second polarization and provides a first summed component signal at a first feed port and a second summed component signal at a second feed port. The converter unit receives the first summed component signal and the second summed component signal and compensates for polarization skew between the antenna array and a source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ASTRONICS AEROSAT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard E. Clymer, Michael J. Barrett, Frank James Blanda, Robert Krivicich, Richard B. Anderson, Matthew A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 9214827
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of harvesting power for charging batteries of a robot traversing an overhead transmission conductor is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to harvest power from the overhead transmission conductor and provide a DC voltage for charging a battery and includes a first shield wire bonded to a structure that is grounded to the earth, a second shield wire isolated from the structure, and a charging station. The first shield wire, second shield wire, structure, and earth form a loop into which induced currents flow. The charging station is electrically connected to the second shield wire and adapted to convert induced currents flowing along the second shield wire into a DC voltage for charging a battery of the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Chris Engelbecht, Eric Engdahl
  • Patent number: 9130278
    Abstract: A patch radiator suitable for operation with circular or dual linear polarizations is described. The patch radiator includes a patch antenna element and a pair of excitation circuits. The excitation circuits include a feed line and a turning circuit configured such that a single feed line enables independent operation of each polarization. This allows for the operation of the patch and therefore array as either linear, slant, elliptical, or circular polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Alan Palevsky, John J. Magnani
  • Publication number: 20140354499
    Abstract: A multi-beam former comprises: two stages connected together and intended to synthesize beams focused along two directions in space; each stage comprises at least two multi-layer plane structures, superposed one above the other; each multi-layer structure comprises an internal reflector, at least two first internal sources disposed in front of the internal reflector and linked to two input/output ports aligned along an axis, at least two second internal sources disposed in a focal plane of the internal reflector and linked to two second input/output ports aligned along an axis perpendicular to the axis; the two second internal sources of the same multi-layer structure of the first stage are respectively linked to two first internal sources of two different multi-layer structures of the second stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Hervé Legay, Ronan Sauleau, Mauro Ettorre
  • Patent number: 8890764
    Abstract: An array antenna apparatus includes a radio circuit; an array antenna that includes a plurality of antenna elements; feeder lines that connect the radio circuit to the respective antenna elements; and a delay circuit provided at each of one or more of the feeder lines. An amount of delay of the delay circuit is set so that the sum of a phase delay by the delay circuit and a phase delay due to a difference between a length of the corresponding feeder line and a predetermined reference length is an integer multiple of 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Orihashi
  • Patent number: 8780000
    Abstract: A high-throughput multi-beam telecommunication antenna is configured to cover a geographical area from a geostationary orbit. It comprises a single reflector and a feed block configured so that each elementary feed is able to generate a different unique beam, the angular separation of any two adjacent primary beams is substantially equal to the angular separation of any two adjacent secondary beams, and the spillover energy losses associated with each source are between 3 and 10 dB, preferably between 3 and 7.5 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
    Inventors: Baptiste Palacin, Xavier Deplancq
  • Patent number: 8664807
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing the power of an electromagnetic signal is presented. In one embodiment, a power distribution cavity includes, a planar cavity, input ports and output ports. The planar cavity is formed with a metallic sheet in the shape of a star pattern with a plurality of elongated star arms extending from a round center portion of the metallic sheet. The input ports are attached to the round center portion of the metallic sheet for receiving an input signal. The signals entering the cavity from the input ports creating independent resonant modes within the cavity that combine producing a tapered aperture distribution of signals at the output ports. The output ports are attached near to the outward ends of the elongated star arms. The planar cavity is thus configured to propagate electromagnetic fields at the output ports that were excited within the cavity by the input ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Roland A. Gilbert, Michael D. Blazej
  • Patent number: 8648676
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for providing a tunable substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) for which a parameter of at least some element or portion thereof may be altered or varied to alter the propagation of a signal propagating through the SIW thereby achieving a tunable SIW. In some embodiments a plurality of capacitively variably loaded transverse slots achieve the tunability for the SIW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Ramesh Abhari, Kasra Payandehjoo, Asanee Suntives
  • Patent number: 8606206
    Abstract: A beamforming network includes a plurality of signal conditioning devices in signal communication with each other, wherein each of the signal conditioning devices receives an input signal, conditions the input signal by independently and selectively adjusting at least one of a time delay, a phase, and an amplitude of the input signal, and transmits an output signal to at least one of another of the signal conditioning devices, an antenna, and a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence K. Lam, Joseph Ku
  • Patent number: 8493277
    Abstract: A leaky cavity resonator that includes a waveguide, the waveguide being filled with a dielectric material, and at least two complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs), the CSRRs residing inside the waveguide parallel to each other placed symmetrically both radially and in height, a leaky resonant cavity being formed between the at least two CSRRs and a wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is adjustable by varying a distance w between at least one outside perimeter of at least one CSRR and an interior wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is also adjustable by varying a size of the leaky resonant cavity. The at least two CSRRs each have at least one stub connecting to a wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is also adjustable by varying a size of the stubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tai A. Lam, Claudio G. Parazzoli, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 8477075
    Abstract: An antenna for broadband satellite communication including an array of primary horn antenna elements which are connected to one another by a waveguide feed network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Qest Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Seifried, Michael Wenzel, Christoph Häussler, Jörg Oppenlander, Jörg Tomes, Alexander Friesch
  • Patent number: 8421697
    Abstract: This disclosure provides an antenna device, which includes a waveguide having a rectangular cross-section and formed with a plurality of slots in at least one side face thereof. The plurality of slots are arranged in a tube axis direction. At least one of the plurality of slots is formed with a predetermined inclination angle from a plane perpendicular to a tube axis direction of the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Company Limited
    Inventor: Koji Yano
  • Patent number: 8362965
    Abstract: An electronically scanned array (ESA) antenna includes a main line along which an electromagnetic traveling wave may propagate and a plurality of array elements distributed along the main line. Each of the plurality of array elements includes a branch line; an antenna radiator at one end of the branch line; an electronically controllable reflection phase shifter at the opposite end of the branch line; a directional coupler which couples energy between the main line and the branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8279129
    Abstract: A phase shifter operable at microwave or millimeter-wave frequencies includes a dielectric substrate with a bottom surface having a conductive ground plane layer and a conductive patterned layer formed on a top surface to define a conductor pattern. A series of active tuning elements is mounted on the top surface and cascaded along a propagation direction in a spaced arrangement along a longitudinal extent. A housing structure includes a bottom housing structure with a planar conductive bottom surface for contacting the ground plane layer, and a top housing structure fabricated with a channel which extend along the longitudinal extent and provide clearance for the active tuning elements. A bias circuit is connected to the respective series of active tuning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Lewis, Ralston S. Robertson, William H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8159410
    Abstract: A reflective antenna is provided according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a radome having a fixed orientation within the elevation plane. According to another embodiment, a reflective antenna positioned within the radome. The reflective antenna may include a feedhorn configured to provide electromagnetic energy at an operation frequency. In another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a reflective surface having multiple electromagnetically loading structures. The reflective surface may be curved in the azimuth plane and configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy relative to at least one focal point. According to another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a support structure configured to position the feedhorn and reflective surface within the radome in order to angularly steer the electromagnetic energy with respect to the elevation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Communications & Power Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie E. Oliver, Daniel G. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8089415
    Abstract: A feed for an antenna configured for use with a radar system or a satellite communication system is configured to operate in multiple bands. The feed comprises a plurality of concentric waveguides. The feed further comprises a first pair of diametrically opposed probes forming a first axis and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The feed further comprises a second pair of diametrically opposed probes forming a second axis and electrically coupled to the at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides. The first and second axis are orthogonal and the first and second pairs of diametrically opposed probes are configured to generate a sum beam and difference beam in the at least one of the plurality of concentric waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. West
  • Patent number: 8022827
    Abstract: Antennas (50) for RFID tags are made to exhibit circular polarization to give the tag an omnidirectional characteristic. The antennas are crossed dipoles (52,54) with respective feed points (56,58). The signal source (60) is coupled to a splitter (62) having output leads (64) directly coupled to the feed point (56) of dipole (52). The other output leads (66) from splitter (62) are coupled to a delay line (68) with the delayed output coupled to a feed point (58) of dipole (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Court E. Rossman, Zane Lo
  • Patent number: 7965249
    Abstract: The present invention is a Radio Frequency (RF) apparatus. The RF apparatus may include a layer of photoconductive material. The RF apparatus may further include a plurality of conductive patches which are disposed within the layer of photoconductive material. The RF apparatus may further include a generating layer. The generating layer may be operatively coupled to the layer of photoconductive material and may be configured for generating light. The generating layer may further be configured for providing the generated light to the layer of photoconductive material. The generated light may be configurable for being provided at a selectable intensity and in a selectable pattern for causing the layer of photoconductive material to be a dynamically controllable optical switch. The dynamically controllable optical switch may be configured for providing a connection between conductive patches included in the plurality of conductive patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah D. Wolf, Nathan P. Lower, Lee M. Paulsen, Jonathan P. Doane, James B. West
  • Patent number: 7907090
    Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition has a dielectric constant, K, of at least 200 and a dielectric loss, DF, of 0.0006 or less at 1 MHz. The dielectric ceramic composition may be formed by sintering by firing in air without a controlled atmosphere. The dielectric ceramic composition may have a major component of 92.49 to 97.5 wt. % containing 60.15 to 68.2 wt. % strontium titanate, 11.02 to 23.59 wt. % calcium titanate and 7.11 to 21.32 wt. % barium titanate; and a minor component of 2.50 to 7.51 wt. % containing 1.18 to 3.55 wt. % calcium zirconate, 0.50 to 1.54 wt. % bismuth trioxide, 0.2 to 0.59 wt. % zirconia, 0.02 to 0.07 wt. % manganese dioxide, 0.12 to 0.35 wt. % zinc oxide, 0.12 to 0.35 wt. % lead-free glass frit, 0.24 to 0.71 wt. % kaolin clay and 0.12 to 0.35 wt. % cerium oxide. UHF antennas and monolithic ceramic components may use the dielectric ceramic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eli Bershadsky, Marina Kravchik, Reuven Katraro, David Ben-Bassat, Dani Alon
  • Patent number: 7889127
    Abstract: A phased array antenna system may include a sheet of conductive material with a plurality of aperture antenna elements formed in the sheet of conductive material. Each of the plurality of aperture antenna elements is capable of sending and receiving electromagnetic energy. The phased array antenna system may also include a wide angle impedance match (WAIM) layer of material disposed over the plurality of aperture antenna elements formed in the sheet of conductive material. The WAIM layer of material includes a plurality of metamaterial particles. The plurality of metamaterial particles are selected and arranged to minimize return loss and to optimize an impedance match between the phased array antenna system and free space to permit scanning of the phased array antenna system up to a predetermined angle in elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Soji Sajuyigbe, David R. Smith, Steven Cummer, Victor S. Starkovich, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Publication number: 20100328175
    Abstract: A leaky cavity resonator that includes a waveguide, the waveguide being filled with a dielectric material, and at least two complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs), the CSRRs residing inside the waveguide parallel to each other placed symmetrically both radially and in height, a leaky resonant cavity being formed between the at least two CSRRs and a wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is adjustable by varying a distance w between at least one outside perimeter of at least one CSRR and an interior wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is also adjustable by varying a size of the leaky resonant cavity. The at least two CSRRs each have at least one stub connecting to a wall of the waveguide. A frequency band of the leaky cavity resonator is also adjustable by varying a size of the stubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Tai A. Lam, Claudio G. Parazzoli, Minas H. Tanielian
  • Patent number: 7859476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of reflectarray antennas, that is to say antennas consisting of a primary illumination source and a phase-shifting plate consisting of an array of cells each having a coefficient of reflection the phase of which is electronically controlled. According to the invention, each cell consists of a waveguide element closed at one of its ends by a dielectric substrate wafer carrying an electrical circuit formed by three parallel conducting strips. A variable capacitor, produced either in MEMS technology or by means of a ferroelectric element, is implanted by means of bonding wires on the electrical circuit etched on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Xavier Delestre, Thierry Dousset, Claude Chekroun
  • Patent number: 7812767
    Abstract: A small antenna device having an increased gain is provided. The antenna device includes a multilayer dielectric substrate composed of a combination of a plurality of dielectric layers, wherein a feeding antenna is provided in a lower layer of the multilayer substrate, a reflective metal plate is provided above the feeding antenna, and circular or rectangular metal loops are arranged so as to be of increasing diameter from lower layers toward upper layers in the plurality of dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Seki, Kenjiro Nishikawa, Naoki Honma, Kouichi Tsunekawa
  • Patent number: 7797816
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an array antenna including a designing step which comprises: determining a one-dimensional reference radiation pattern and an associated reference aperture; computing the cumulative phasorial summation of the field distribution of said reference aperture in a reference direction and representing it as a reference curve in the complex plane; determining a polygonal curve optimally approximating said reference curve, subject to predetermined constraints; and determining, from said polygonal curve, an antenna array pattern, each side of said polygonal curve being associated to a particular antenna element of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventors: Giovanni Toso, Piero Angeletti
  • Publication number: 20100171674
    Abstract: An electronically scanned array (ESA) antenna includes a main line along which an electromagnetic traveling wave may propagate and a plurality of array elements distributed along the main line. Each of the plurality of array elements includes a branch line; an antenna radiator at one end of the branch line; an electronically controllable reflection phase shifter at the opposite end of the branch line; a directional coupler which couples energy between the main line and the branch line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: THINKOM SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: William H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7714792
    Abstract: An array antenna with reflector(s) (AR) comprises i) an array (RS) of at least two feeds (S1-S5), including a central feed (S1), arranged and positioned so as to transmit and/or receive beams (F1-F5) in chosen directions, ii) beam-forming means responsible for controlling the amplitude and phase of each of the feeds by means of amplitude/phase laws applied to their ports and providing an appropriate amplification level, in order for each feed (S1-S5) to transmit a chosen radiation pattern (forming a beam and comprising a main lobe) intended to cover a chosen zone (Z1-Z5), and iii) at least one reflector (RC) provided with a surface (SU) specifically for reflecting the beams delivered by the feeds and/or intended for the latter, and shaped tree-dimensionally so as to reflect the beam delivered by each feed (S1-S5) by spreading its energy such that it covers the chosen associated zone, that the main lobe of the radiation pattern associated with the central feed (S1) defines a primary coverage (CP) fully includi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Michel Leveque, Eric Vourch, Jacques Maurel
  • Patent number: 7710339
    Abstract: An antenna device including a reflectarray with array antenna elements, and an outer feed provided with a waveguide and a widening funnel which in a widened end carries a waveguide aperture for illumination of the reflectarray. The antenna device eliminates or at least reduces a position dependence of an antenna lobe with respect to frequency. Furthermore, the antenna device presents a low monostatic radar cross section and compactness. To this end the antenna device is fed offset and is provided with a device for movement of a phase center of the antenna with a frequency relative to the waveguide aperture of the feed in the vicinity of the waveguide aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Ola Forslund
  • Patent number: 7710340
    Abstract: An antenna system for generating and configuring at least one defocused beam is provided. The antenna system includes a reflector having a focal plane and a non-parabolic curvature for forming the at least one defocused beam, and a plurality of feed antennas that illuminate the reflector. Each feed antenna is disposed in the focal plane of the reflector. The antenna system further includes at least one incoming signal dividing network that divides at least one incoming signal into a plurality of sub-signals, each corresponding to one of the feed antennas, a plurality of variable phase shifters, each receiving one of the sub-signals from the incoming signal dividing network and phase shifting the sub-signal to generate a corresponding phase-shifted sub-signal, and a plurality of fixed-amplitude amplifiers, at least one corresponding to each of the feed antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhakar K. Rao, Stephen R. Peck, Minh Tang, Jim Wang, David M. Brown
  • Patent number: 7642982
    Abstract: A relatively low cost, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing multi-band, multi-port digital video broadcast from satellite (DVBS) elliptical horn antenna designed as part of a reflector antenna system to simultaneously receive satellite television broadcast signals with circular polarity on two frequency channels. This type antenna may be implemented with a single antenna feed horn with multiple feed horns that may be arranged separately or in one or more integral feed horn blocks. The antennas may be designed to achieve acceptable circular polarity performance over broad and multiple frequency bands through the use of oppositely sloped differential phase differential sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Scott J. Cook