Abstract: A method of providing an antenna mast for a wireless communication system is presented. The method comprises selecting a lower module and an upper module from a set of modules. This set of modules comprises at least two different lower modules, at least two different upper modules, or at least two different lower modules and at least two different upper modules. The method further comprises assembling the selected lower module and the selected upper module into a mast body of the antenna mast. This mast body forms a supporting structure for an antenna arrangement of the wireless communication system. In assembling the mast body, the method includes the antenna arrangement in the selected upper module and includes in at least one of the selected lower module and the selected upper module a device configured to perform a function other than supporting the antenna arrangement.

Abstract: A ground based avian radar receive antenna is implemented using a vertically oriented offset parabolic cylindrical antenna. The desired azimuth beamwidth is determined by the width of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface and the desired elevation beamwidth by the height of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. A vertical array of antenna elements is mounted along the vertical focal line to provide electronic scanning in elevation. Low sidelobe levels are obtained using tapered antenna element illumination. Low cost modular construction with high reflector accuracy is obtained by attaching a thin metal reflector to thin ribs machined or stamped in the shape of the parabolic cylinder reflector surface. The antenna is enclosed in a radome and mechanically rotated 360 degrees in azimuth.

Abstract: A method for assembly of a segmented reflector antenna, including coupling a central segment upon an antenna mount. Attaching a peripheral segment to a bottom portion of the central segment. Rotating the central segment to present a bottom portion of the central segment without a peripheral segment, and attaching a peripheral segment to the bottom portion. In additional steps, a secondary ring of peripheral segments may be applied, each connected to an outer edge of a peripheral segment connected to the bottom portion of the central segment.

Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.

Abstract: A reflector useful for communications, radar and sensing application in space and on earth includes thin shell gores emanating from a geometric center of the reflector at its hub. Gores are provided in a spiraled pattern and are in elastic connection to said hub and wrapped around their point of convergence at the hub when the reflector is stowed. The gores emanate from the geometric center of the reflector hub at their elastic connection to the hub when they are deployed and operational as a reflector with a point of convergence to promote operation as a reflector. Thin shell gores can have an inner perimeter and outer perimeter, can be provided in a spiraled pattern, and can be interlocked at their outer perimeter, or in-between their inner and outer perimeter, while also remaining in elastic connection at their inner perimeter to said hub.

Abstract: An antenna reflector includes a central segment with a peripheral coupling portion and a plurality of peripheral segments, each provided with a reflector portion and a shield portion. A proximal portion of each shield portion is dimensioned to couple with the peripheral coupling portion, a reflector portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent reflector portion edges and a shield portion edge of each peripheral segment is dimensioned to couple with adjacent shield portion edges. The central segment and the reflector portion of the peripheral segments together form a reflector dish. The shield portions together provide a circumferential shield extending from a periphery of the reflector dish along an antenna boresight of the reflector dish.

Abstract: Smart aerospace structures are described herein utilizing a deactivated RFID tag including an IC and an electrical by-pass. The electrical by-pass is conductive and the electrical by-pass is in parallel with the IC such that the deactivated RFID becomes activated upon an abnormal condition, such as an improper clamp installation, a clamp failure, an impact, a thermal event or a crack.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more co-located antennas is described herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a second antenna for intercepting electromagnetic energy radiated from a first antenna during transmission of a signal. To reduce interference at the second antenna, the apparatus includes a plurality of resonant circuit elements, each being configured to resonate at or near a carrier frequency of the transmitted signal for redirecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy away from the second antenna. A method for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more antennas coupled to a wireless communication device is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a reflector of a satellite dish is provided. In one embodiment, the mount includes one or more first hooks and one or more second hooks located offset from the one or more first hooks, wherein the one or more second hooks are spring loaded and the one or more first hooks and the one or more second hooks fasten the reflector of the satellite dish to the mount.

Abstract: A device for transmitting radio waves comprises an item of transmitting equipment for a telecommunications antenna, a membrane for thermally protecting the reflector, and means for attaching the thermal protection membrane to the item of equipment. The thermal protection membrane is furnished with a plurality of elastic tensioners designed to keep the thermal protection membrane stretched between a first active face of the item of transmitting equipment and space, irrespective of the thermal expansions of the membrane. The item of transmitting equipment occurs in a predetermined temperature range when the attachment means attach the membrane to the item of transmitting equipment.

Abstract: An antenna reflector provided with a plurality of segments, each of the segments provided with a plurality of end faces positioned along surfaces of the segments. The end faces of adjacent segments arranged in lateral and radial pairs, the lateral and radial pairs coupled together. At least one of the end faces of the radial pairs and of the lateral pairs extending proud of the respective surfaces, whereby when the radial pairs and the lateral pairs are connected, the adjacent segments contact one another only via the radial and lateral pairs.

Abstract: An antenna for a compact satellite terminal. Antenna is a rigid parabolic structure of metal matrix composite capable of disassembly into segments affording a high degree of portability such as for man-packable satellite terminals and the like. A shallow feed horn assembly is joined to an orthomode transducer by a common hub, the hub also serving as the attachment point for a plurality of antenna segments, where a quick release means joins the segments to the hub. The feed horn, hub, orthomode transducer and antenna segments are designed for extremely compact stowability in a variety of applications.

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.

Abstract: A cassette device includes a radiation detecting cassette having a radiation detector therein for detecting radiation having passed through a subject and converting the detected radiation into radiation image information, a transmission and reception controller connected to the radiation detector for transmitting the radiation image information to an image processor by way of wireless communications, and a cassette storage bag for storing the radiation detecting cassette therein. The cassette storage bag includes an antenna incorporated therein for transmitting the radiation image information from the transmission and reception controller to the image processor by way of wireless communications. The transmission and reception controller and the antenna are capable of being electrically connected to each other through detachable connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mechanical and electrical coupling of an antenna to one or more radio receivers. The apparatus includes a hub that may be attached to an antenna by one or more fasteners. The hub is also fitted with latches that can receive a radio. Finally, the hub includes an aperture for receiving a feed-boom. The feed-boom communicates signals received by the antenna to the radio.

Abstract: Parabolic reflector includes a number of sectors (2) being connected to each other at a central hub (3), the parabolic reflector being collapsible from an extended position (9), in which the sectors together extend 360 °around the hub (3), to a retracted position (8), in which the sectors (2) are brought together into a compact unit. Each sector (2) is rigid and is firmly joined to a cylindrical hub sleeve (4). The hub sleeves (4) together form the hub (3), around which the sectors (2) are journalled for limited movement around a central axis extending through the center of the hub (3). The hub sleeves (4) are concentrically arranged one radially inside the other with consecutively decreasing radii, and the hub sleeves (4) have mutually cooperating guiding surfaces that permit axial displacement of the hub so as to enable relative rotation there between.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mechanical and electrical coupling of an antenna to one or more radio receivers. The apparatus includes a hub that may be attached to an antenna by one or more fasteners. The hub is also fitted with latches that can receive a radio. Finally, the hub includes an aperture for receiving a feed-boom. The feed-boom communicates signals received by the antenna to the radio.

Abstract: Tensegrity units may be used to form a tensegrity structure. Each tensegrity unit may include n face tension members, n continuous tension members, and n compression members. A bracket for the tensegrity unit may allow for adjustment of position of portions of the tension members when the tensegrity unit is not in a deployed state. The tension members may be coupled to the tensegrity unit so that there are no loose tension member ends. The unit may be deployed from a collapsed state by positioning the compression members and tension members in a proper orientation and adjusting the length of at least one compression member. Adjusting the length of at least the one compression member may allow tension to be applied to each tension member. A tensegrity structure may be formed from tensegrity units by joining a number of tensegrity units together.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror support mechanism has at least one reflecting mirror panel (1), a support base (3) to finally support the reflecting mirror panel (1), and at least one reflecting mirror support member (2). The reflecting mirror support member (2) has a structure in which a base section (2A) is mounted on the support base (3) and plural branch sections (2B) are mounted to the reflecting mirror panel (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly connecting and disconnecting an antenna from a transceiver in a point-to-multipoint millimeter wave wireless communications system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: An easily installable enhancement for replacing the reflective surface area for a satellite dish and method for using an installed dish as a reference, allowing the installation of a dish with added features without re-acquiring the satellite signal or reaiming the dish. In one variation, the enhancement includes a reflector addition, which is fitted with fasteners that locate the reflector against the existing dish. This variation includes use of the original feed horn, which is relocated using a feed horn support extension. This variation is also designed to avoid the “shadow” of the feed horn and its support arm, and to minimize the reflective surface area at the lower end of the dish, which reduces collection of such interfering material as snow, rain, and debris. In variations using increased reflector size, the enhancement reduces loss of signal during inclement weather or in other situations in which the satellite signal is partially blocked.

Abstract: A satellite communications antenna includes a low-windload reflector so that the antenna may be used on high windload locations, such as on a ship. The reflector has a support structure which includes a grid-like structure having relatively large apertures therein to allow wind to pass therethrough. The reflector further includes reflective radiators, such as dipoles, mounted to the support structure for focusing at least one desired frequency of operation. The reflector is also formed in component parts for easy assembly/disassembly should it be necessary to deploy the system elsewhere.

Abstract: A deployable segmented dish-like reflector includes a main body with one or more additional reflector segments. Each reflector segment is connected to the main body with one or more link members, such that the entire reflector may be stowed into a compact volume and subsequently deployed to its operational configuration. The system provides a mechanism for stowing the at least one segment in an overlapping manner, substantially parallel to the main body, in order to minimize its stowage volume. The linkage arrangement allows the at least one reflector segment to be deployed from the stowed position to a desired final position. Rate control and deployment coordination may be introduced in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Paraboloidal grid reflectors and antennas are provided which are lighter and have less wind loading because they efficiently realize selected front-to-back ratios by recognizing the angular distribution in typical differential path losses and feed gains. In particular, the reflectors are formed with adjacent pairs of parallel elongate members that are positioned at respective angles &thgr; from the paraboloidal vertex and spaced apart by respective spaces S that generally increase with increased angle &thgr;. In some reflector embodiments, the spaces S increase with increased angle &thgr; for a contiguous majority of adjacent pairs and may be constant for a contiguous minority that typically adjoins the vertex. In other reflector embodiments, the spaces S increase with increased angle &thgr; for all of the adjacent pairs.

Abstract: Three reflector plates comprising: a lateral reflector plate having two half plates each opposingly placed across a rotation supporting shaft introduced therebetween, a longitudinal reflector plate having two half plates each opposingly placed across the rotation supporting shaft therebetween, and a bottom reflector plate placed at the central portion of the rotation supporting shaft, wherein these three reflector plates are brought into mutual orthogonal intersection at their diameters, and the rotation supporting shaft is provided with an inclination supporting hole with an inclination of a "detection design angle", thereby enabling to maintain the detection design angle when in use and enabling to easily assemble into the shape for use even in case of emergency, and further enabling the reflector plates to be stacked flat one upon another and stored free from bulkiness when not in use.

Abstract: A lateral reflector plate comprising two rotatable half plates mutually opposed through a rotation supporting shaft introduced therebetween, and a longitudinal plate comprising two half plates mutually opposed through the rotation supporting shaft introduced therebetween are vertical to each other, and a foldable bottom reflector plate comprising four quarter plates is intersected orthogonally with the lateral and longitudial reflector plates, and also the rotation supporting shaft is provided with an inclination supporting hole with an inclination of the detection design angle.

Abstract: A grid-type microwave antenna, easy to manufacture, assemble and disassemble, is formed of a number of spaced reflector rods which, when mounted in a frame, form a parabolic reflecting surface. The frame includes U-shaped channels for mounting and supporting the spaced reflector rods. Each of the rods has a curvature so that the combination of the rods spanning the frame forms a parabolic reflector. The frame is formed by channels having holes to receive the central and the end portions of the reflector rods. Insulating sleeves are provided for the central portion of each rod. Insulating cups are used for the end portions of each rod.

Abstract: A mobile tracking antenna for microwave signals from a satellite or distant transmitter includes a micro- electromechanical system produced by semiconductor processing. Specifically several micro faceted reflector segments have their facets selectively controlled by a feedback control system and reflects the signal onto a four sector horn which then by error signals actuates electrostatic positioning means on the micro facets to center the signal on the optimum receiving portion of the horn. Each segment covers a portion of the 360.degree. receiving spectrum. The particular segment is selected by a maximum signal being received.

Abstract: A single port antenna connector assembly, mateable with either a retractable antenna or a hardline connector, is provided. When the antenna connector is mated with the connector assembly, it engages a signal contact supplying an antenna signal. When the hardline connector is mated, it engages a signal contact supplying a conductive signal to test equipment, or to an auxiliary antenna. The signal contacts have different positions in the assembly, with each connector being differentiated to engage only its corresponding signal contact. In addition, the design of connector assembly permits the antenna to be withdrawn through the connector assembly, at least partially, past the unused test signal contact. The antenna has at least two positions so that the profile of the antenna can be reduced for either storage, or for lower gain operation when the device is in a standby mode of operation.

Abstract: A grid-type microwave antenna comprises a multiplicity of generally parallel conductive rods. Each rod is curved along its length to form a section of a paraboloid so that when all the rods are positioned parallel to each other, in spaced apart relationship to each other, they form a paraboloidal reflector. A rim includes insulating members for receiving and holding the ends of the rods to position the rods in spaced apart and parallel relationship to each other.

Abstract: A reflector (3) may be mounted in a hollow housing (2) adapted to fly in ambient air. The reflector device (3) may be formed from a coating on the surfaces of blocks, the coating being metal or dielectric. Reflecting surfaces whether self supporting or not may be formed as intersecting circles or polygonal (more than four sides). They may be suspended in housing (2) adapted to fly either directly or indirectly by means of an intermediate body within the housing.

Abstract: A collapsible, dish shaped assembly, for example, for use with a satellite. The dish shaped surface is assembled from two sets of rigid panels. The first set of panels is rotated into position on hinges, which attach the panels to a base. The second set of panels is then rotated into position, also on hinges at the base, such that the second set of panels fill in the spaces between the panels of the first set. A latch connects each pair of adjoining panels. The latch comprises a protrusion which slides into a corresponding cavity. The resulting latch is resistant to lateral force. The latching process is facilitated by magnetic forces, which also add to the final latching force. The latches can be disengaged by jacking screws.

Abstract: A wire carrier clip installable onto a dish antenna after the antenna is up and which clip has a slotted leg which will install to the antenna by slipping between the rib and a washer on the back side rib bolt of the antenna and further including a clamping leg with which to sandwich the lead wires between the wire carrier clip and the antenna rib.

Abstract: A steel reinforcement bracket attaches to an aluminum rib of a frame of a dish antenna to relieve the stress causing fatigue in the rib. The bracket is shaped in such a way so as to allow a cradle bracket gripping opposite sides of the rim to form a flat surface against the rib. The reinforcement bracket is secured to the rib and cradle bracket with bolts so as to transfer the stress on the rib to the reinforcement bracket.

Abstract: A foldable reflector which includes a plurality of rib assemblies mounted around a base. The axes around which the ribs assemblies pivot lie in substantially the same plane. Each rib assembly has a rib portion and an offset member. The rib portions, which deploy flexible reflective material, lie substantially forward of the plane in both open and closed positions. The offset member have attachment points which extend to the forward side of the plane when the rib assemblies are in the closed position, and to the back side when they are in the open position. Elastic means extending between the attachment points of adjacent offset members bi-stably hold the rib assemblies in both the open and closed positions. A lock plate with radially extending portions locks the rib assemblies in the open positions when the lock plate is rotated to a position wherein the radially extending portions obstruct the pivoting of the ribs.

Abstract: A parabolic low wind load antenna for receiving incoming MMDS signals wherein the antenna is essentially constructed of two identically formed, one-piece reflective halves connected together to form a rectangular shaped parabolic antenna. Each of the reflector halves comprises a substantially U-shaped rigid frame being parabolically shaped in the length dimension and being parabolically shaped in the width dimension. A plurality of reflector elements of circular cross-section and of equal length are oriented in parallel relationship to each other and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined spacing of about ten percent of the MMDS wavelength. The predetermined spacing is determined in a plane perpendicular to the path of the incoming signals and each of the reflected elements is connected at its terminal ends to the sides of the U-shaped frame. Each of the reflector elements is formed in a full parabolic shape in the width dimension.

Abstract: The antenna is preferably of the offset type and comprises plural thin and separable parabolic elements jointed into a parabolic reflector, and several substantially rectangular separable panels assembled into a prismatic lattice frame for supporting the reflector. The panels are substantially perpendicular to the lower base of the lattice and have curved upper edges formed in a duplicate mould according to the reflector and separable from the reflector elements. The antenna also comprises a telescopic elevation angle lifting mast and a circular aximuth positioner, both jointed to the frame and dismountable. The dismounted antenna is transportable in the form of standardized packages in the hold of long-distance airliner.

Abstract: A paraboloidal antenna system is disclosed which is segmented. Each segment is attached to a back up structure at three points, and is capable of linear normal motion at these points. The segments can be individually adjusted so as to conform to the true paraboloidal surface after the backup structure has been deformed. The adjustable attach points include digitally-controlled actuators. A laser reference system is used to detect deviations from the true paraboloidal contour. The laser beam is split to set up two sources along the paraboloid axis, and the ensuing hyperboloidal fringe pattern is of circular symmetry. Sensors determine the number of fringes lost or gained as the backup structure deforms. This data is used to guide the actuators to correct for the deviations.

Abstract: A portable parabolic antenna apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a leg assembly which includes at least three legs and a foldable support assembly. The support assembly includes a base rotatably and detachably mounted on the leg assembly and supporting a communication device, a foldable intermediate member having one end coupled to the top of the base, and a reflector holding member coupled to the other end of the intermediate member, for holding a parabolic antenna, the reflector holding member being located at such a distance from the base that it support the communication device when the support assembly is unfolded, and when the support assembly is folded, the reflector holding member is moved to contact the base.

Abstract: A portable antenna apparatus comprises a foldable leg unit. This leg unit is provided with at least three legs each having a first jack, and a mount whose angle of rotation is adjustable. A foldable support unit, which has a plurality of beam members combined to provide a substantially box-like shape, is coupled to the mount. A foldable arm unit is coupled to the support unit. The arm unit is provided with a reflector-mounting member having extension mechanism, an arm hinged to the reflector-mounting member, and a primary horn mount attached to the arm. A reflector made up of a plurality of divisions is attached to the reflector-mounting member of the arm unit, and a primary horn is attached to the primary horn mount of the arm unit.

Abstract: A foldable and deployable antenna reflector includes a central panel having along its circular periphery a circular-sawtooth shaped contour with ramplike edges separated by radial cut backs and a plurality of similar, rigid segments, each having a foot edge are respectively hinged by means of a single hinge axis to the ramplike sawtooth edges.

Abstract: An improved support rib for a satellite dish antenna is disclosed wherein a male side rib selectively engages a female side rib continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib and wherein the male and female side rib each comprises a continuous engagement device having a lower channel for selectively receiving the side of a parabolic reflective petal and an upper member for one-time flexing downwardly over the lower channel to firmly engage and hold the side of the reflective petal continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib. When flexed downwardly, the upper member lies in the same plane as the support rib and the petal.

Abstract: A non-furlable paraboloidal radio frequency reflector (10) is formed of a mesh-like flexible reflective surface (18) supported by a central hub (12) and a peripheral rim (14). The hub and rim are interconnected by flexible spoke-like structural cables (16, 24) acting in tension to establish the desired spatial relationship. Reflector surface-positioning cables (20, 26) are secured at their ends to the hub, rim or structural cables and are further secured to the reflector surface at points of intersection (22) therewith intermediate their ends to thereby establish an approximation of the desired curved shape of the reflector surface.

Abstract: An antenna (10) and method for fabricating the antenna (10) includes an inner panel (12) with a curved inner receiving surface (14) and an outer panel (16) in coextensive relationship to one another. A plurality of strips (20) having undulations (22) are positioned between the inner (12) and outer (16) panels for interlocking the panels (12, 16) together in predetermined positions to define a composite antenna (10) of substantial strength to present the inner surface predetermined close tolerances over the surface thereof. The undulations (22) of the strip (20) include platform portions (24) for engaging the panels (12, 16) and straight angulated portions (26) interconnecting the platform portions (24). The strip (20) includes raised ribs (30) in the straight portions (26) and hinge portions (28) between the straight portions (26) and platform portions (24) to allow the lateral extent of the strip (20) to increase as the thickness of the strip (20) between the panels (12, 16) is decreased during fabrication.

Abstract: An antenna horn of molded plastic construction. The horn may be constructed of multiple sections, each section being of molded plastic construction with the sections joined to form the horn.

Abstract: A satellite dish antenna having parabolic-shaped support ribs firmly engaging the sides of adjacent screen-mesh reflected petals along the entire longitudinal length of each petal. Each support rib having an upper reflective surface lying in the same plane as the surface of the reflective petal, under which is located a locking arrangement which engages adjacent reflective petals the entire length of the petal.

Abstract: The antenna (e.g., a transportable, lightweight and cheap antenna for temporary earth stations) is constructed out of three components. The center component is a circular/parabolic dish. The side components extend the dish to give the composite a major diameter and a minor diameter. In use the antenna is aligned so that the major diameter is aligned with the direction of the geostationary arc.

Abstract: A dish antenna frame having an extruded central hub, an outer rim and a plurality of intermediate extruded and bent arcuate tubular spokes, mounted on peripheral, radially extending fingers of the central hub and wherein each spoke mounting finger has extruded retention teeth and each tubular spoke has internal extruded teeth for rigidly retaining the spoke on the mounting finger.