Abstract: A lightweight, nonmotorized radar antenna system specially adapted for use on a boat or ship includes a multiple section mount supporting a plurality of radiating elements to provide 360 degree coverage around a vertical structure, such as sailboat mast. The mount can have a variable inner diameter for installation on various sized structures.

Abstract: A facility for transmitting telecommunication signals from a tower utilizes an annular housing mounted to the tower. The housing has a central opening through which the tower extends. The housing has a circular wall with an axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the tower. Antennas and transmitters are mounted within the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an assembly formed by a large-sized antenna with a supporting mast, the working of which brings the ground plane into play, and by a high-power transmitter. To reduce the distance between the transmitter and the radiating part of the antenna, and to reduce the cost of the architectural structure of the antenna and of the room sheltering the transmitter, this room is formed by the base of the mast which supports the antenna. The dimensions and bed of the base of the mast are designed as a function of the space needed and of the stability to be given to the antenna.

Abstract: A device for measuring bending movements of an antenna support mast, wherein the device being comprises: at least two sets of sensors separated by a determined distance d and fixed to the mast in the vicinity of the free end of the mast; and a processor for processing the signals by the sensors; the processor including means for memorizing the signals. The invention is particularly applicable to radio beam links.

Abstract: The antenna has a support with a metallic structure and cables. In order to give the antenna good resistance to wind, it is made by means of rigid half-wave dipoles and these dipoles are mounted directly on the mechanical structure.

Abstract: The support tower comprises three (3) generally parallel legs positioned relative to one another to form a triangular configuration and each leg having a bottom end and a top end. A plurality of cross bracing is provided securing the legs to one another intermediate their ends. A first mount is located adjacent the top ends of the legs and is capable of supporting pivotally and slidably a microwave dish. A second mount is located on each leg for mounting cellular antennas generally back to back. The tower further includes an albow adjacent each top end of the legs wherein the elbow displaced the legs outwardly to increase the lateral spacing between the top ends of the legs.

Abstract: An antenna of the random spare volume array type comprising a plurality of elementary antennas with almost omnidirectional individual radiation distributed according to a statistically isotropic random relationship of distribution within an enveloping volume having a shape generated by revolution, the mean spacing between elementary antennas being notably greater than a half wavelength of the minimum frequency to be received or transmitted, each elementary antenna being connected to an active module comprising individually controllable phase-shifters themselves connected to a common distributor. According to the disclosure, the elementary antennas are formed by dipoles oriented vertically and supplied by a supply line comprising a first section, extending horizontally between the respective dipole and a common vertical tower coaxial with the enveloping volume having a shape generated by revolution, and a second section extending to the interior of this tower and ending in the distributor.

Abstract: A stationary, lightweight, easily transportatable antenna capable of full duplex operation, i.e., portions of the antenna can transmit and receive simultaneously in the same frequency band. The antenna has a near omnidirectional pattern in the azimuth plane for both transmit and receive. The receive portion (2) consists of four antenna elements (20), each having a beamwidth in the azimuth plane slightly greater than 90.degree.. The receive antennas (20) are arranged symmetrically about a midpoint (93) that lies in the azimuth plane. The beams of the four receive antennas (20) face outwardly away from the midpoint (93) and thereby cover the full azimuth plane. The transmit portion (1) of the antenna is a colinear set of dipole elements (12) arranged within a cylinder (11) that is orthogonal to the azimuth plane and centered on said midpoint (93).

Abstract: A UHF-TV broadcast system comprising an antenna mounted on an elevated supporting structure for broadcasting UHF-TV to a prescribed region, and a transmission line having a horizontal run leading to the supporting structure for the antenna, and a vertical run leading to the antenna, the transmission line comprising a circular non-coaxial waveguide having an inside diameter large enough to support the propagation of electromagnetic energy therethrough in at least the circular, non-coaxial TE.sub.11 mode, and a multiplicity of conductive elements extending transversely across the interior of the waveguide at intervals along the length of the waveguide perpendicular to the electric field vector of TE.sub.11 -mode energy having a desired polarization, for suppressing unwanted TE.sub.11 -mode energy that is cross-polarized relative to the desired polarization.

Abstract: Antenna mounting apparatus especially for use in connection with satellite dishes comprises a base assembly with an antenna extending upwardly therefrom, multiple ballast means extending radially from the base assembly, outer end plates disposed respectively adjacent the end of the ballast means remote from the base assembly, an aperture formed in each ballast means, and tie rods extending respectively through the apertures and interconnecting the base assembly and the associated outer end plate.

Abstract: An antenna for circularly polarized television transmission comprising, an elongated coaxial waveguide having inner and outer conductors, the outer conductor of the waveguide having a multiplicity of slots spaced along the length and around the circumference of the outer conductor for radiating horizontally polarized energy, a multiplicity of dipoles mounted on the outer surface of the outer conductor and spaced along the length and around the circumference of the outer conductor for radiating vertically polarized energy, each of the dipoles being associated with one of the slots so that the combination of the horizontally and vertically polarized radiation produces circularly polarized radiation, and coupling means for coupling electromagnetic energy from the interior of the waveguide to the slots and the dipoles, the coupling means for both the slots and the dipoles picking up electromagnetic energy from the interior of the waveguide in a common transverse place.

Abstract: A specially designed, Z-shaped, parasitic dipole is spaced radially outwardly from the slot provided in a cylindrical antenna; a controlled amount of energy which is in a horizontally polarized direction is coupled to the Z-shaped dipole so as to radiate energy into the vertical plane, thus creating a variable circularly polarized antenna capable of adding a selectable amount of vertical component to the horizontal in quadrature; since the dipole element, which parasitically develops its polarized energy, is in the same horizontal plane as the polarized energy emanating from the slot, a good, i.e. constant, axial ratio is maintained throughout the elevation pattern.

Abstract: A high-power, end-fed, circular, non-coaxial waveguide UHF-TV broadcast antenna comprising a single-moded, circular, non-coaxial waveguide having an inside diameter dimensioned to support only the circular non-coaxial TE.sub.11 mode of energy propagation through the waveguide at the design frequency of the operating frequency band, the waveguide having multiple radiating elements removing energy from the waveguide at intervals along the length of the waveguide, and conductive means extending transversely across the interior of the waveguide at least in the regions between longitudinally adjacent pairs of the radiating elements, the conductive means being perpendicular to the electric field vector of the TE.sub.11 -mode energy having a desired polarization, for suppressing TE.sub.11 -mode energy that is cross-polarized relative to the desired polarization, the waveguide and the conductive means defining a feed port at one end of the waveguide for receiving UHF-TV signals having the desired polarization.

Abstract: A high power TV antenna for operation at the ultra high frequency (UHF) frequency F includes a radiating antenna located at the top of a tower structure (often hundreds of feet high), a transmitter at the bottom of the tower and a main circular waveguide transmission line of diameter D1 between the transmitter and the antenna carried by the tower; the feed to and/or from the transmission line including transition sections such that wave propagation in the transition sections is below cutoff for the TM01 mode while it is above cutoff for the dominant TE11 mode while wave propagation in the main circular waveguide transmission line of diameter D1 is substantially totally in the dominent TE11 mode even while it is above cutoff for the TM01 mode, whereby the transition sections tend to inhibit wave propagation in the system in the undesired TM01 mode.

Abstract: An antenna support for holding an antenna on a surface such as a roof includes an elongated mast, a base structure, and struts bearing the mast to the base structure holding the mast in a generally vertical position. The struts are attached to the mast remote from the central axis of the mast, so that the struts reinforce the mast against twisting about its axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supporting an electronic receiving or sending device on a tripodal tower are provided. The apparatus comprises a number of interconnected struts, braces, and support means connected to each other in a relationship that tends to counter or transfer twisting forces or torques caused by the wind resistance of said device into up and down forces that are easily countered by the tower. A method is provided, using the apparatus of the invention, for supporting a device on a tripodal tower.

Abstract: A rotation mechanism for a waveguide feeder is disclosed which is applicable to an antenna rotating section of a satellite tracking antenna system and others. The mechanism includes two flexible waveguides which extend parallel to each other. The flexible waveguides are connected at one end to each other and at the other end to an upper waveguide feeder and a lower waveguide feeder, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for wind bracing of the vertical members of a lattice mast. It is characterized in that it is provided at its ends (5, 6) with detachable means (8, 9) for joining it to its vertical members, which in turn are provided with complementary means (10).

Abstract: A hanger for attaching a length of waveguide of elliptical cross-section to a crossbar on an antenna tower. The hanger comprises a resiliently yieldable and generally U-shaped clip adapted to be slipped into straddling relation with the waveguide and simultaneously inserted into a hole in the crossbar with a snap fit.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an antenna pole mounting assembly for a dish antenna or the like includes an elongated base bracket, a pivot bracket, scissor arms for connecting the base and pivot brackets to one another in various offset positions, and a pole clamp ring secured to the pivot bracket in a manner that allows full rotation orientation, whereby the base bracket can be secured to a wall in other than a horizontal position with the clamp ring in the vertical.

Abstract: A lightweight extruded aluminum tube and longitudinal fin structure and assembly enabling the use of two or three pluralities of identical parts only for ready hand-carrying and erection.

Abstract: A roof mount for securely attaching dish antennae to roofs of houses typically supported by a plurality of spaced rafters has a two piece frame attached to a selected portion of a roof with one piece on top of the roof supporting the dish and its adjusting mechanism and the other piece of the frame underlying the first frame beneath the roof. A plurality of fasteners penetrate the roof and both frames and draw the frames toward each other to clamp them about the selected portion of the roof and provide steady support for the antenna.

Abstract: A tracker mount assembly for securing, aiming and controlling microwave satellite dish antennas. The tracker mount assembly preferably includes a rigid, central rectangular frame adapted to be disposed over a supporting surface by an elevating stanchion. The carriage-like frame includes a pair of adjustable, frame wings which are pivotally coupled to the frame sides and ultimately support the receiving antenna. These wings may be adjusted relative to the sides of the frame upon which they are secured to selectively vary declination. An elongated, rigid central frame member is pivotally journaled between the frame front and rear. Frame elevation is adjusted by variations between the angular orientation of the central frame member and its lower support structure.

Abstract: A spring hanger system for supporting a UHF circular waveguide from a transmission tower and including a plurality of vertically spaced spring hangers, each adapted to engage an adjacent section in the vertical run of waveguide in the tower. Each hanger includes a glide ring fixed to the tower for restraining the waveguide from movement in any direction except vertical; a clamping ring spaced axially below the glide ring which is adapted to grip the outer periphery of the waveguide snugly without distorting same, whereby the waveguide is stiffened against deformation by lateral forces in the region of the glide ring; and a spring mechanism connecting the glide ring and the clamping ring with a substantially constant force which allows the waveguide to move in response to differential expansion with respect to the tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an antenna on a flat roof without penetrating the waterproof membrane of the roof is disclosed herein. The apparatus is comprised of a rigid base having a planar lower surface adapted to overlie the flat roof, ballast means carried by the base to stabilize the base, and antenna support means connected to and extending upwardly from the base.

Abstract: An articulated linkage is disclosed for supporting waveguide and electrical cabling through a predetermined range of movement. The linkage comprises a plurality of elongated rigid sections, joined by articulated joint sections. The joints comprise at least two short links which are pivotably connected to each other and the adjacent rigid sections. Travel limit pins are provided to limit the pivoting motion of the joint links relative to each other and the rigid sections. The lines of waveguide comprise respective sections of flexible waveguide passing through the flexible joints of the linkage and are connected to elongated sections of rigid waveguide which are supported by the rigid sections of the linkage. The travel limits on joint movement are selected to limit the angular excursions to protect the flexible waveguide from undue stresses during movement of the linkage.

Abstract: In an ultra high frequency (UHF), high power broadcast television (TV) antenna system that includes a radiating antenna located at the top of a tower structure many hundreds of feet high, a transmitter at the bottom of the tower and a circular waveguide transmission line between the transmitter and the antenna carried by the tower, an undesired polarization mode that is transverse to the desired polarization mode for which the antenna system is adjusted is excluded at the top of the tower structure at the end of the circular waveguide transmission line so that the undesired polarization mode does not energize the radiating antenna and, in particular, the undesired polarization mode does not energize the antenna and produce a ghost image in a TV receiver after reflecting from the bottom end of the circular waveguide transmission line back up to the antenna and does not add a standing wave in the circular waveguide transmission line.

Abstract: A high-power broadcast television arrangement includes high-power aural and visual carrier sources with rectangular waveguide outputs. A circular waveguide connects the antenna at the top of a tower with the bottom of the tower. In order to avoid an expensive, lossy and complex diplexer for combining the visual and aural carrier signals into a single waveguide, a waveguide turnstile junction couples the visual and aural signals from their respective rectangular waveguides into right- and left-hand circular polarization propagation modes in the circular waveguide. A hollow cylindrical slotted-waveguide antenna at the top of the tower receives the dual-polarized aural and visual signals received from the circular waveguide and radiates a television signal with the aid of resonant radiating slots and polarization-insensitive couplers.

Abstract: A device for providing a low VSWR match at a bend between two straight circular waveguides has an odd number of at least three circular waveguide sections of approximately equal length along their axes mitered at both of their ends, the length chosen to be an odd multiple of a quarter guide wavelength at the desired operating frequency, and the waveguide sections being mitered so that the device is symmetrical about the bisecting plane of the bend. The ratios of the angles between the adjacent waveguide sections around the bend are approximately binomial coefficients in order to obtain a maximally flat passband.

Abstract: A UHF broadcast antenna system uses circular waveguide for the run from the high-power final amplifier to the antenna. Undesired cross-polarization components are formed in the circular waveguide due to unavoidable tolerances. Correction of the cross-polarization components is accomplished by a correction apparatus for sampling the principal polarization-plane signal, and reinjecting the sample with controlled amplitude and phase into the circular waveguide in the plane of the cross-polarization component for cancelling the cross-polarization.

Abstract: A lightweight mounting structure combination for small dish antennae is provided. The structure includes an upright mast for supporting the dish antennae. The mast has an upper end for attachment to said dish and a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure. The structure also has a bent strut having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. In addition, a second strut is provided having a lower end for anchoring to a rigid-type structure and an upper end for attachment to said mast. Further included is means for anchoring the respective lower ends of the mast, bent strut and second strut to the rigid-type structure and for attaching the respective upper ends of the bent and second struts to the mast. The means includes a bracket, a threaded bolt having a shank portion for extending through the bracket and respective end, and a nut threaded on said bolt for drawing the bracket and respective end tightly together.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful radio antenna comprising a mast; a pair of radiating elements mounted on the mast, and being oriented in a plane, and having one end of one element adjacent to one end of the second element; a coaxial feeder the outer conductor of which is joined to the first element of the pair at approximately the midpoint of the first element and having its center conductor extending to a predetermined feedpoint on the second element, this predetermined point being that at which the center conductor will be substantially impedance matched with the antenna; and, wherein the spacing of the gap between the adjacent ends of the first and second elements is such that the elements are fed by the feedpoint across the gap to provide a matched output of the pair of elements having the desired beam tilt.This application relates to radio wave transmission and reception antennas.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of vertically-spaced antennas (256 or 384) or other devices (262) to a tower (12) of the type having three tower legs (20a-20c), and for both separate and selective rotational positioning of the antennas or other devices. The preferred embodiment includes first (170 or 342), second (170 or 342), and third (204 or 320) support housings that are separately attached to the three tower legs, and an antenna-mounting ring (142 or 292) that circumscribes the tower, and that is rotatably attached to the support housings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for mounting and both separate and selective rotational positioning of a plurality of separate antennas, or search devices, on a single tower. Three of the preferred embodiments for use in mounting and rotationally positioning antennas or search devices include an antenna-mounting ring, or search-device mounting ring (142, 292, or 406) that is attached to the tower (12) by a plurality of support rollers (160, 219, or 306). The support rollers are operatively attached to the tower or to the antenna-mounting ring and supportingly engage a circumferential groove (150, 298, or 430) which is located in either the antenna-mounting ring, or in a tower-attaching ring (402) that is interposed between the antenna-mounting ring and the tower.

Abstract: An improved tower for positioning an antenna comprises a tower having a flexibly moveable carriage which supports the antenna, automatic latching means, and remotely controlled means for raising and lowering the carriage and antenna along the periphery of the tower.

Abstract: A model relating obstruction fading to meteorological variables allows more precise prediction of the optimum height of microwave antenna systems. This allows the annual outage time for a circuit to be held to less than a specified maximum value, while at the same time minimizing construction costs by avoiding excessive tower heights. The predictions are especially improved over prior art engineering assumptions in coastal regions.

Abstract: A circularly polarized broadcast antenna includes a vertical mast and a plurality of bays spaced along the mast. Each bay includes at least one crossed dipole fed in quadrature mounted adjacent the mast. Each bay also includes a sleeve which may be .lambda./2 long disposed about the mast to act as a choke to prevent induced current flow on the mast. Current flow in the sleeve creates a vertically-polarized field component which perturbs the directly radiated field and increases the axial ratio. A polarizer is mounted orthogonal to the mast, and the currents induced in the polarizer are orthogonal to and in phase quadrature with the reradiated field of the sleeve to improve the axial ratio.

Abstract: An antenna including a conductive support mast serving to support one or more bays of circular arrays of dipole assemblies around and spaced from the mast. Each dipole assembly consists of at least two dipoles connected in parallel. The lengths and angles of the dipoles with respect to a plane perpendicular to the support mast are adjusted and the dipole assemblies are fed so as to provide circularly polarized radiation broadside to the antenna.

Abstract: A circularly polarized antenna has bays stacked at spacings of less than one wavelength in order to have a broadband SWR characteristic and to minimize radiation along a supporting mast axis. Vertical stubs are used to increase the circularity of the horizontal pattern and to improve the axial ratio.

Abstract: Improved performance of a stacked array of short helical elements is achieved by using average spacing between elements which is less than one wavelength. Still better performance is obtained by using as antenna elements structures comprising combinations of Z-shaped radiators.

Abstract: An annular rotary RF coupler for installation about a vertical support structure, particularly the mast of a ship. Two annular troughs are regularly divided in circumferential increments providing a cellular structure of individual waveguide cross-sections. A lower annulus remains fixed, the individual waveguide sections therein being fed from a power-divided, equal-phase, feed configuration. The oppositely facing upper annulus rotates with respect to the lower one about a common mechanical center of rotation of a mechanically rotating antenna system. Connection to the rotating waveguide sections may be through power combiner/divider means, or individual subarrays may be discretely connected to one or more waveguide sections in the rotating annulus. For power tapering across an antenna array aperture, the waveguide section dimensions in the circumferential direction within the rotating annulus are appropriately tailored.

Abstract: An antenna array suitable for mounting at a selected height above a target plane, which provides for excellent resolution along a line in said plane extending through the vertical projection of the center of said array and perpendicular to a plane including said array. The array may comprise a plurality of radiators, each having a phase center along a support. The support is constrained to describe a segment of a circle in a vertical plane whose center lies on said line. As a result, the distance from any arbitrary point on the line in the target plane to any element of the array is equal.

Abstract: Slip-ring electrical contacts are avoided in a rotatable aerial or antenna of the type which is housed in a rotatable cage or basket having a supporting platform at the top of a mast, by constructing the electrical transmitting/receiving apparatus and the drive and control units for the rotating aerial at some region below the supporting platform for the rotating cage or basket, e.g., below deck in the case of a ship, and by transmitting the signal to or from the aerial by means of a wave guide concentrically arranged below and surrounding the axis of rotation of the cage, including a quarter wave joint surrounding the wave guide (with a clearance) on the platform, and connecting the wave guide to the aerial with the aid of a probe extending into the wave guide, two motor devices operating through differential gearing, all included in the region below the platform enabling the azimuth and elevation of the aerial to be determined.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a metal panel on which are mounted two parallel collinear dipole arrays spaced on the order of a half-wavelength from each other. Each dipole array is of the order of 9 wavelengths long and is fed at its center. Half way between the two collinear arrays is mounted a zigzag antenna with its center located half way between the centers of the collinear arrays which may be staggered with respect to each other. The two collinear arrays are fed in the same relative phase with each other. The zigzag antenna and the dipole array may be fed from different sources operating at different frequencies or they may be fed from the same source and phased to radiate circularly polarized waves. A plurality of the panel antennas may be mounted around a metal cylinder to serve as an omnidirectional antenna. A square tower may serve as the metal cylinder. Several levels of one to four antennas may be mounted on a square tower depending on the shape of the area to be served.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a single shunt feed mechanism, including a single gamma section and a single impedance matching circuit, is employed to enable an antenna tower as an effective radiator in plural wave length bands without having to alter the upper tie point of the gamma section to the antenna tower. In one embodiment, the shunt feed of the invention enables the antenna tower as an effective radiator in either two of the adjacent bands mentioned, namely the 40 and 80 meter bands or the 80 and 160 meter bands. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a single shunt feed mechanism, including a single gamma section, a single impedance matching circuit, and a filter, enables an antenna tower as an effective radiator in all three of the indicated bands.

Abstract: Four conductive loops are symmetrically disposed in generally a common plane. The loops are closely spaced from each other to be in the strong electromagnetic coupling region of each other. The loops are fed in phase rotation at their inboard portions to provide a broad band circularly polarized antenna.

Abstract: A circularly polarized antenna system adapted to provide a desired radiation pattern about a support mast using four horizontal radiating elements spaced at 90.degree. intervals about the support mast and by four vertically polarized dipoles with each vertical dipole mounted vertically spaced from the four horizontally polarized radiating elements. The four vertically polarized dipoles are spaced at 90.degree. intervals about the mast. Both the horizontal radiators and the vertical dipoles are fed in rotating phase. Each of the four vertically polarized dipoles comprises a pair of dipole arms which arms are bent to form a V with the vertex pointing toward the mast to increase the radiation in the plane orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the mast and to decrease the radiation in the direction of the axis of the mast.

Abstract: An omnidirectional, broad-band antenna for installation on a vertical mast. The antenna is formed of one or more superposed arrays of elementary antennas in the form of log-periodic alignments of vertical dipoles. Particularly for use in ground stations for ground-air communications.

Abstract: A substantially hollow block--formed of initially separate halves secured together as a rigid unit--engaged on the upper end of a tubular mast, with bolts in the block projecting from opposite sides thereof, and the bolts mounting the opposed arms of an antenna on the block; the antenna lead extending into the block from within the mast, and the lead wires being attached in the block to said bolts. Improved instrumentalities are associated with the block and separately function to prevent rotation of the block relative to the mast whereby directional orientation of the antenna is maintained; to preclude twisting, as well as longitudinal movement, of the antenna lead in the block so that the antenna wires cannot be accidentally detached from the bolts; and to prevent rotation of the bolts in the block and hence avoid otherwise resultant breaking-off of said attached antenna wires.

Abstract: Improved performance of a stacked array of short helical elements is achieved by using average spacing between elements which is less than one wavelength. Still better performance is obtained by using as antenna elements structures comprising combinations of Z-shaped radiators.