Reflector Or Director Patents (Class 343/912)
  • Publication number: 20100060546
    Abstract: A reflector for a reflector antenna is provided for producing a far field pattern with near-zero field strength at a predetermined position, the reflector having a surface comprising a stepped profile for generating the near-zero field strength. The stepped profile may comprise a radial step. The location of the near-zero field strength can be steered by moving the reflector only or by adjusting the amplitude and phase of an additional low resolution beam, produced by, for example, a simple horn, covering the same region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: David Robson, Simon John Stirland
  • Publication number: 20100045561
    Abstract: A configurable bipolarization reflector comprises intersecting first and second sets of parallel composite lines (LHi, LVj), a line segment between two consecutive intersection points (Iij) of the two sets containing a component (12) having conductivity that can be switched by a switching signal (V). The components are disposed on the line segments so that a switching signal applied at a point of intersection (P1k, P1k?, P1k?) of said sets switches the conductivity of the components of a group of segments defining a reflector area (Z) of given reflectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Philippe Ratajczak, Patrice Brachat, Jean-Marc Fargeas
  • Patent number: 7658663
    Abstract: Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
  • Patent number: 7645326
    Abstract: A system and method to reduce signal to noise ratio within an RFID enabled warehouse or distribution center by introducing highly reflective aluminum oxide particulate into the atmospheric environment of the warehouse or distribution center. The aluminum oxide will be comprised of nano size particulate manufactured in an aerosol format. This particulate will be introduced into the environment through the auspices of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanism associated with the environment. The levels of particulate will be monitored through the use of strategically placed sensors in order to maintain regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the signal to noise ratio will be enhanced by reducing ambient noise emanating from light fixtures in the environment through the strategic placement of inferential filters. Furthermore, the signal to noise ratio from man made sources will be reduced by using horizontally configured backscatter transmitting antenna within the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: James Neil Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20090219222
    Abstract: A reflector including a reflector dish and a backing structure. The reflector dish has a reflecting surface and a back surface. The backing structure is arranged in a pattern on the back surface of the reflector dish for supporting and stiffening the reflector dish. The backing structure includes a first backing structure skin and a second backing structure skin and a backing structure core there between. The core is substantially thicker than each skin. The backing structure is arranged such that the first backing structure skin is faced against the back surface of the reflector dish. Also, a method of manufacturing a reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Mikael Petersson
  • Patent number: 7570226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling grating side lobes in a faceted mesh reflector. Facets may be formed of a like shape but with a majority of the facets across the reflector having varying size which reduces the grating lobe intensity in the far field pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Samir F. Bassily
  • Patent number: 7567218
    Abstract: A dish assembly is disclosed which has a central hub, an outer rim member, and a plurality of concentric arcuate structural members comprising at least an inner and an outer arcuate structural members extending from the central hub to the outer rim member, each of the arcuate structural members having an upper channel member, a lower channel member, an inner arcuate surface and an outer arcuate surface which cooperate to constitute a box section configuration and wherein said each upper and lower channel member comprises a channel base and a pair of channel flanges, and the inner and outer arcuate surfaces of each of the arcuate structural members are abutted such that a gravitational or wind load is transferred from the outer arcuate structural member to the adjoining inner arcuate structural member via a fin disposed on the inner arcuate surface of each of the arcuate structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Edgar Whelan
  • Patent number: 7566889
    Abstract: A combination of radio frequency energy responsive and infrared energy responsive reflection based plasma radiant energy steering apparatus usable in directing radiant energy originating in for example an antenna array or an infrared source in order to direct the energy to a point of use under conditions of low inertia electrical directing control. Plasma gas films of electrode element determined properties achieve reflection control of the radiant energy both with and without use of a discrete reflector element. Theoretical support and identification of prior art supporting documents are included in the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Timothy R. Klein, Stanley Rogers
  • Patent number: 7554489
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna, which includes a substrate, at least one radiating element and at least one reflecting element. The at least one radiating element is placed on the substrate at an inclined angle, and the at least one reflecting element is also placed on the substrate. The signals reflected by the at least one reflecting element substantially form an omni-directional radiation pattern through aggregation of overlapping patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corp.
    Inventors: Feng-Chi Eddie Tsai, Chih-Ming Wang
  • Publication number: 20090160730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dual polarised radiating element (1) for a cellular base station antenna, comprising: a reflector surface (21) for reflecting radiation energy, four radiating monopoles (4a to 4d) distributed around an aperture area (8), each radiating monopole comprising a footing (42a to 42d) protruding from said reflector surface and a flange (41a to 41d) located above the reflector surface and protruding from said footing radially towards the outside, the flanges from adjacent monopoles extending radially perpendicular to each other, wherein it further comprises: four element feeds (5a to 5d), each capacitively coupled to a respective monopole and protruding radially therefrom within the aperture area (8); powering means (6ac, 6bd, 7a to 7d, 7ac, 7bd) connected to the element feeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Marco Kunze
  • Publication number: 20090153391
    Abstract: The reflectarray comprises an array of patch elements (10-13). Each patch element has a cut ring shape formed of a conductive ring with at least one crossing gap. The outer diameter and inner diameter and crossing gap are adjusted so that a phase shift ? defined by the following relations is different from zero: ?(Eox)=?(Eix)+? (1) ?(Eoy)=?(Eiy)+?+? (2) where: ??(Eox) and ?(Eoy) are the phases of the orthogonal components and of the reflected wave, respectively, ??(Eix) and ?(Eiy) are the phases of orthogonal components and of the incident wave, respectively, ?? is a phase angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S.), ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE INDEPENDE NT ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTION, UNIVERSITE DE NICE SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS
    Inventors: Claire Blandine Migliaccio, Binh Duong Nguyen, Christian Yves Dominique Pichot Du Mezeray, Kazuo Yamamoto, Naruto Yonemoto, Kimio Yamada
  • Patent number: 7548217
    Abstract: A partially reflect surface antenna includes a substrate, a reflective sheet and a plurality of supporting units. The substrate has an upper surface formed thereon a signal I/O for receiving and outputting high frequency signal. The reflective sheet partially reflects the high frequency signal and includes an array antenna block located at the surface of the reflective sheet. The plurality of supporting units support the reflective sheet to locate at the upper surface of the substrate and to maintain a predetermined distance between the reflective sheet and the substrate. The area of the array antenna block ranges from 0.31 to 0.8 times of the surface area of the reflective sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Tatung University & Tatung Company
    Inventor: The-Nan Chang
  • Publication number: 20090146907
    Abstract: There is disclosed a reflect array which may include a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces. The second surface may support a conductive layer. A first array of conductive phasing elements and a second array of conductive phasing elements may be supported by the first surface. The first array may have a first pitch and the second array may have a second pitch different from the first pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth William Brown
  • Patent number: 7532170
    Abstract: A conformal end-fire antenna with a high impedance ground surface structure and an array of radiating elements formed thereon. The ground surface structure includes an array of metal protrusions on a electrically conductive sheet, the metal protrusions arranged in a two-dimensional lattice. The ground surface structure acts as a magnetic surface at an RF frequency band of interest, functioning as an electrical short at DC, and as a mirror which reflects an RF field in the frequency band with virtually no phase reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jar J. Lee, Stan W. Livingston
  • Publication number: 20090109121
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a structured surface are described which can efficiently reflect, steer or focus incident electromagnetic radiation. The surface impedance may be adjustable and can impart a phase shift to the incident wave using tunable electrical components of the surface. An array of electrodes interconnected by variable capacitors may be used for beam steering and phase modulation. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrodes have a circular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Paul R. Herz, Daniel Sievenpiper
  • Publication number: 20090079645
    Abstract: There is disclosed reflect array including a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may support a first array of phasing elements and a second array of phasing element, where the elements of the first array have a first shape and the elements of the second array may have a second shape different from the first shape. The second surface may support a conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Michael John Sotelo, Kenneth William Brown
  • Publication number: 20090066602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflector 20; 30; 40 for use in an antenna 10; 50. The reflector 20; 30; 40 is arranged to be used as an earth plane of the antenna 10 and the reflector is corrugated to form current pockets. The reflector 20; 30; 40 comprises at least two separate parts 21, 22; 21, 22, 31, 32; 41, 42, and the parts are electrically coupled to each other to commonly form the earth plane of the antenna 10; 50. The invention also relates to an antenna including a reflector, and to a method for manufacturing a reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Christofer Lindberg, Jesper Uddin, Johan Edlund, Per-Anders Arvidsson
  • Publication number: 20090027300
    Abstract: An electromagnetic screen (1) comprises a plurality of antennas (4) each of which reflects an electromagnetic wave having a specific frequency. The plurality of antennas (4) are arranged so as to constitute a pattern. Each of the antennas (4) has three segment-shaped first element parts (4a) and three segment-shaped second element parts (4b). The three first element parts (4a) radially extend from the center of the antenna (4) by substantially the same length such that any two of the three first element parts (4a) form an angle of 120° with each other. Each of the second element parts (4b) are connected to an outer edge of a corresponding one of the first element parts (4a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI CABLE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Kudo, Kazuyuki Kashihara, Katsunori Hosotani, Satoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 7471255
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of reflector-type antennas based on the offset Gregorian design having a substantially paraboloidal-shaped primary reflector and a substantially ellipsoidal secondary reflector displaced from the optical axis of the primary reflector. The first focus of the secondary reflector is substantially coincident with the focus of the primary reflector and a feed or detector is placed substantially at the second focus of the secondary reflector. A partially open shroud placed between the primary reflector and the secondary reflector is shown to result in reduced ground interference and improved antenna efficiency and sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: William J. Welch
  • Patent number: 7463213
    Abstract: An antenna unit consists of an EBG reflector, a single curl antenna supported at a central portion of the EBG reflector, and a periodic structure upper plate disposed apart from a principal surface of the EBG reflector by a predetermined distance. The EBG reflector includes a substrate having the principal surface and (Nx×Ny) square patches which are printed on the principle surface of the substrate and which are arranged in a matrix fashion (lattice structure). The periodic structure upper plate consists of a film and (Nx×Ny) square patch-like conductors printed on the film. The (Nx×Ny) square patch-like conductors are disposed so as to oppose to the (Nx×Ny) square patches, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisamatsu Nakano, Hidekazu Umetsu, Yoichi Asano, Junji Yamauchi, Akira Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20080272983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a non-developable surface printed circuit and to the thus obtained printed circuit. According to said invention, each electrically conductive pattern (7) of a printed circuit (2) comprises a base (7E), which is arranged on the non-developable surface (6) and obtained by projecting an electrically conductive varnish, and a coating (7R), which is arranged on said base (7E) and made of an electrically well conductive material by means of buffer electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Astrium SAS
    Inventor: Christian Desagulier
  • Publication number: 20080230049
    Abstract: In an energy wave solar reflector assembly (12) for an energy concentrator (10), the assembly has a support structure (21) with support arms (22) extending from a central zone (24), and an array of concentric annular reflective elements (28) spacedly arranged on the support arms or on elongate mounting strips fixed to each or selected supported arms. The reflective elements having a reflective surface shaped to reflect incident energy waves, and a holding arrangement having holding devices (40,74) arranged to hold the reflective elements in an orientation to direct the reflected energy waves thereof in a direction towards a focal zone (16) of the reflective elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Edo Dol
  • Patent number: 7423601
    Abstract: Embodiments of active array antennas are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a reflect array antenna includes an array of rectangular monolithic sub-array modules arranged in a non-uniform pattern to leave a plurality of rectangular gaps in the pattern. A DC feed pin located within each gap may provide DC bias current to the sub-array modules. The sub-array modules may be mounted on a heat sink in the non-uniform pattern. The heat sink may have holes aligned with the gaps to allow passage of the DC feed pins. In some embodiments, an array cooling assembly may be coupled to the back of the heat sink to cool the reflect array antenna with a coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Brown, George G. Jones, Andrew K. Brown, William E. Dolash
  • Publication number: 20080197144
    Abstract: A system and method to reduce signal to noise ratio within an RFID enabled warehouse or distribution center by introducing highly reflective aluminum oxide particulate into the atmospheric environment of the warehouse or distribution center. The aluminum oxide will be comprised of nano size particulate manufactured in an aerosol format. This particulate will be introduced into the environment through the auspices of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanism associated with the environment. The levels of particulate will be monitored through the use of strategically placed sensors in order to maintain regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the signal to noise ratio will be enhanced by reducing ambient noise emanating from light fixtures in the environment through the strategic placement of inferential filters. Furthermore, the signal to noise ratio from man made sources will be reduced by using horizontally configured backscatter transmitting antenna within the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: James Neil Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7388559
    Abstract: An antenna provided. The antenna includes an outer dish having a first surface and a second surface; an inner dish mounted to the first surface of the outer dish; a helix feed mounted on a ground plane; and a support mounted at an axial center of the inner dish for supporting the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Yong U. Kim
  • Patent number: 7372428
    Abstract: A dish antenna having a multiple contact connector assembly for utilization with one or more viewing systems or other systems such as two-way data exchange systems including satellite receivers and/or television receivers. The single positionable dish can be positioned azimuthally and elevationally to access satellite signals which are then distributed to one or more viewing or other systems. The dish antenna receives and distributes satellite signals utilizing an LNB (low noise block) and a multiple contact connector assembly which features a multiple contact rotary male connector and a multiple contact rotary female connector which mutually engage each other in rotary and sliding contact for multiple circuit passthrough of satellite signals, control voltages and the like in order that one or more viewing or other systems can be used to view or otherwise employ multiple and different channels simultaneously and in order that no cable wrap-up will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: King Controls
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Patent number: 7365702
    Abstract: An antenna device includes a first elliptic reflective surface, a first antenna and a second antenna. The first elliptic reflective surface has a first focus and a second focus. The first antenna is disposed on the first focus, and the second antenna is disposed on the second focus. The first antenna transmits a first signal and a second signal, and the second antenna receives the first signal and the second signal. The first signal is transmitted directly to the second antenna from the first antenna. The second signal is reflected by the first elliptic reflective surface and transmitted to the second antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Accton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: I-Ru Liu
  • Patent number: 7365703
    Abstract: A radar reflector including a first and a second radar corner. The radar corners are formed by an essentially rectangular first flat plate and a second and a third essentially flat plate arranged perpendicular to the first plate at two perpendicular edges of the first plate and to meet the two edges of the first plate. The second and the third plates of the first radar corner are arranged to meet two different perpendicular edges of the first plate than the second and third plate of the second radar corner. In order to obtain a less bulky storing and a more easily controlled ejection process the second and third plate of each radar corner are rotatable at the meeting edge of the first plate from a folded position in which the plates are essentially parallel with and close to the first plate to an unfolded position in which the plates are essentially perpendicular to the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Alf Näsvall, Gunnar Byström
  • Patent number: 7345653
    Abstract: An invention is provided for generating a shaped reflector. The invention includes receiving required performance data that defines a desired RF performance of a shaped reflector. A mathematical model of the shaped reflector is manipulated to generate a new geometry for the shaped reflector, which is capable of generating the desired RF performance. To ensure the new geometry can be physically duplicated with high precision, the mathematical model is manipulated in a manner that can be duplicated using a plurality of tuners associated with the shaped reflector. Once the new geometry is created, data is outputted that defines alterations to the plurality of tuners needed to generate the new geometry for the shaped reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Nolan, David Bressler, George Voulelikas
  • Patent number: 7342551
    Abstract: More reliable satellite television reception in moisture conditions is provided by recognizing the critical relationship between satellite signal transmissivity and the effects of superhydrophobocity. Instead of trying to use a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating or material to shed water from a satellite antenna, superhydrophobic materials and coatings are strategically utilized to minimize the impact of water on the transmissivity of the satellite signal through transmissive surfaces in the antenna system. In a preferred embodiment, an exterior surface of a feed horn cover is coated with a superhydrophobic material to maintain a more consistent satellite signal reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Electronic Controlled Systems
    Inventor: Lael D. King
  • Patent number: 7339547
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover comprising a main body portion having a front side, a back side and an outer edge, and a securing element for securing said satellite dish cover to the concave face of a satellite dish. The securing element requires no manual adjustment in order to be secured to a satellite dish. The satellite dish cover may further comprise a design element, a color or a texture to increase the aesthetic appeal of the satellite dish cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dish Rags, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Walter Reid, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080042920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure, system and materials for supporting a reflector. A rim stiffening beam is securely attached to the circumference of the reflector. A plurality of support struts is attached to the rim stiffening beam, joining to one or more nodes, thereby providing support for the reflector and substantial open volume directly behind the reflector for instrumentation, drive and control units, or other purposes. A central support structure supports the nodes and further supports a plate attached to the back of said reflector. This plate is advantageously relatively stiff in its radial dimension but relatively flexible in its axial dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Matthew C. Fleming, John B. Lugten
  • Patent number: 7330160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure, system and materials for supporting a reflector. A rim stiffening beam is securely attached to the circumference of the reflector. A plurality of support struts is attached to the rim stiffening beam, joining to one or more nodes, thereby providing support for the reflector and substantial open volume directly behind the reflector for instrumentation, drive and control units, or other purposes. A central support structure supports the nodes and further supports a plate attached to the back of said reflector. This plate is advantageously relatively stiff in its radial dimension but relatively flexible in its axial dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Matthew C. Fleming, John B. Lugten
  • Patent number: 7324066
    Abstract: An antenna reflector panel comprises a reinforcing element and a reflector sheet being mounted onto said reinforcing element. The reinforcing element comprises a block of a machinable material having a shaped front surface, the reflector sheet being fixed to the front surface of the block so as to form a first skin layer of the block of machinable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hitec Luxembourg S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Hirtt
  • Patent number: 7324067
    Abstract: A satellite dish antenna assembly includes a dish surface, a convexly curved arc surface, a pair of corresponding protruding edges A, B disposed at the utmost front end of the two sides and serving as a base line AB, such that upper and lower ends of the arc surface are extended from the two protruding edges along the dish to a level position of the base line AB to form an upper and a lower pulling surface coupled to the two protruding edges respectively, and a flange is installed at the periphery of the dish surface and its front side is substantially level, so as to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art antenna dish that may be deformed or warped easily when pressed and improve the life of the antenna and the accuracy of receiving signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Chao Shen
  • Patent number: 7315283
    Abstract: A dual-band circularly polarized antenna is disclosed, more particularly a dual-band circularly polarized antenna being able to transmit and receive circularly polarized signals at two different frequency bands, simultaneously. The dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention comprises a first polarized radiating element with at least one corner being chamfered, a plurality of second polarized radiating elements with each of the second polarized radiating elements having at least one corner being chamfered, a signal distributor for distributing an electrical signal, a signal coupling unit electrically connecting with the first polarized radiating unit and the signal distributor, and a ground plate. The dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention not only can be manufactured with a low cost, but also has a simpler structure. As a result, the dual-band circularly polarized antenna of the present invention can be easily integrated into the antenna module of an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tatung Company
    Inventor: The-Nan Chang
  • Patent number: 7301508
    Abstract: The approximate radius of curvature of the spherical phase front at the aperture of a transmitting microwave antenna is controlled by an inner section of the aperture attached to the outer section of the aperture by a small number of programmable transducers, thereby controlling the near field shape and power distribution of the transmitted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: James P. O'Loughlin
  • Patent number: 7301507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflector for a reflector antenna. The reflector includes a reflective surface in the form of a first skin, wherein the first skin is adherent to a core that is substantially thicker than the first skin. A portion of the core not adherent to the first skin is adherent to a second skin in such a way that the core is enclosed by the first and second skin; thus forming a sandwich construction. The core of the reflector has a thickness that varies in accordance with a given pattern so that a stiffening structure is formed in the reflector. The present invention also relates to a method of forming such a reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Mikael Petersson
  • Patent number: 7280081
    Abstract: A parabolic reflector for an antenna has a plurality of concentric annular sections arranged in series from a first annular section nearest a central axis of the reflector to a last annular section defining an outer perimeter of the reflector. Each section has a parabolic reflecting surface between inner and outer perimeters. The sections are configured such that the focal point associated with at least the last section lies inside an internal volume of the reflector and are arranged with respect to each other along the central axis, such that an overall depth of the reflector is substantially minimized. The inner perimeters of all the sections are preferably arranged to lie substantially on a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis. The outer perimeter of each section except the last section is preferably connected with the inner perimeter of the succeeding section by means of an annular strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Marconi Communications GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Mahr
  • Patent number: 7280086
    Abstract: Multifrequency reflecting antenna (AR), for example for a telecommunication satellite that comprises a reflector (R) with a front face (FA) for reflecting beams of electromagnetic waves belonging to at least two different frequency bands. The front face (FA) of the reflector (R) comprises a structure (ST) defining a three-dimensional pattern with symmetry of revolution, chosen so as to shape the beams such that they have approximately identical radiofrequency characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Thierry Judasz, Jean-François David, Jacques Maurel
  • Patent number: 7277064
    Abstract: A facade or cover for a satellite dish has a magnet or magnetic base by which the facade is removably attachable to the parabolic structure of the satellite dish. The magnet or magnetic base is magnetically attracted to the metal composition of the parabolic structure of the satellite dish. The facade may have indicia. The facade may comprise a body having a magnetic base and a face coupled to the base. The body is oriented so that the magnetic base is oriented to the rear of the body, and the face is oriented to the front of the body, so that when the body is placed onto the surface of the parabolic structure P the face is visible to onward observers and the magnetic base is adjacent to and coupled with the surface of the parabolic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel W. Hogsett
  • Patent number: 7247802
    Abstract: A checkout station comprises a deactivation system having an antenna for transmitting a signal to the security feature on a product passing over the checkout station to deactivate the security feature and a scale for weighing the product at the checkout station. A composite weigh plate is supported by the scale and includes a metal face plate configured to support the product thereon for weighing the product and a metal sub-frame configured to support the face plate. The face plate and the sub-frame each define a slit so that they do not form a closed electrically conductive loop. An electrically non-conductive bonding agent fixes the metal face plate to the metal sub-frame to maintain the structural integrity of the composite weigh plate in spite of the presence of the slits in the metal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua B. Minter
  • Patent number: 7248210
    Abstract: The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Syracuse Research Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Bruce, Thomas A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7245267
    Abstract: An improved radome comprises at least one conductive flat structure integrally incorporated in the material of the radome, which acts as a reflector for a mobile radio antenna at least partially enclosed within the radome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Maximilian Gottl, Johann Obermaier
  • Patent number: 7233299
    Abstract: A system includes a device for focusing electromagnetic waves, and a multiple-beam antenna. The antenna includes: a photonic bandgap material (20) having at least one band gap, at least one periodicity defect (36) of the photonic bandgap material so as to produce at least one narrow bandwidth within the bandgap material, and excitation elements (40 to 43) for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves within the at least one narrow bandwidth, the elements being arranged relative to one another so as to produce overlapping radiating spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales
    Inventors: Marc Thevenot, Régis Chantalat, Bernard Jecko, Ludovic Leger, Thierry Monediere, Patrick Dumon, Hervé Legay
  • Patent number: 7224322
    Abstract: A phased array balloon antenna having an inner membrane coupled to an outer membrane and a phased array antenna connected to an inner membrane. The phased array antenna transmits an energy towards a reflective film on the outer membrane, reflecting the energy outwards and illuminating an area smaller than that illuminated by the phased array alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sam Ghaleb, Floyd A. Kinder
  • Patent number: 7221329
    Abstract: A reflector includes a conductive surface and a surface coating. The surface coating includes a binder and metal oxide grains embedded in the binder. The metal oxide grains include aluminum oxide that constitute up to 60% of the metal oxide by weight. A method of making a reflector includes forming a slurry, applying an electric field between a spray gun nozzle and the reflector, and spraying the slurry through the spray gun nozzle onto the reflector. The slurry contains metal oxide grains suspended in a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: James Henly Cornwell
  • Patent number: 7199766
    Abstract: An improved structure for an edge of a disk body of an antenna. The antenna includes the disk body and a side portion. The side portion has a supporting ring and a containing slot surrounding the circumference of the disk body. The supporting ring is on a top of the side portion, therefore the supporting ring of a bottom antenna is reserved in the containing slot of a top antenna while stacking a plurality of antennas sequentially in an order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Shu Fua Lin
  • Patent number: 7180469
    Abstract: An antenna for providing radiation pattern control contains an antenna housing having a series of reflective steps and at least one rod located above the series of reflective steps. The antenna also contains a radiation element situated within the antenna housing so as to allow the antenna housing to control a pattern of radiation emitted by the radiation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cushcraft Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Slattman, John Sanford
  • Patent number: 7142172
    Abstract: An antenna reflection structure including a plate, a side wall and a protrusion is disclosed. The side wall is generally perpendicular to the plate and the protrusion respectively. And a concave slot is formed by the side wall, the plate and the protrusion. The antenna can be fixed on the plate. The concave slot controls the transmitting direction of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna so that multi-reflection of the electromagnetic waves in the concave slot occurs and the electromagnetic waves can be transmitted in a desired single direction with the aid of the protrusion. Therefore, the antenna reflection structure can yield higher gain value and better directivity. In addition, the antenna reflection structure further provides the characteristics of being easy to process and minimize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Accton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chang-Jung Lee