Abstract: A radome adapted to reduce backlobes of an associated reflector antenna via application of a conductive ring with an inward facing edge about the periphery of the radome. The conductive ring may be applied extending around the radome periphery to an inside and or outside surface of the radome. The conductive ring may be formed upon the radome by metalising, electrodaging, over molding or the like. Further, the conductive ring may be a metal, metallic foil, conductive foam or the like which is coupled to the radome. An absorber in the form of a ring or a surface coating applied to the radome and or the distal end of the reflector may also be added between the radome and the reflector.

Abstract: A connector axial compression tool having a lever end and a cable end, with a body slidably supporting a cradle in a cavity formed in the body. The cradle is slidable via a handle which pivots about the body, linked to the cradle by a lever mechanism. The cradle has a shoulder clamp adapted to mate with a connector body. Operation of the handle moves the cradle towards and away from a cable end of the cavity, against a cable clamp through which the cable may pass but against which a cable clamp sleeve of the connector abuts, axially compressing the connector to couple it to the cable. Because the shoulder clamp holds the connector body rather than pressing against the connector interface, a wide range of different connectors may be used with the same tool, without causing damage to the connector interface of the various connectors.

Abstract: An electrical connector adapted for interconnection with a helically corrugated outer conductor coaxial cable via axial compression. Threads formed in an interior bore of the connector body threadably engage helical corrugations of the outer conductor. Upon axial compression of an interface into an interference fit with the body, a leading edge of the outer conductor is deformed, creating a high quality uniform electrical interconnection and preventing unthreading of the cable from the connector. Gaskets environmentally sealing the various entry paths into the connector are also sealably compressed by the axial movement of the various connector components during axial compression.

Abstract: A switchable polarizer assembly, having a coupler, a polarizer module with a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted for a desired transition, an antenna adapter and a central waveguide with a center longitudinal axis passing through the coupler and the antenna adapter. Positioned inline with the central waveguide, between the coupler and the antenna adapter, the polarizer module is offset relative to the center longitudinal axis, rotatable to alternatively align each of the plurality of apertures with the central waveguide. A coupling means may be present to couple rotation of the polarizer module to rotation of the antenna adapter. The apertures may be, for example, zero or ninety degree angular transitions and or circular to rectangular waveguide cross sectional area transitions.

Abstract: A connector and coaxial cable interconnectable via axial compression upon a cylindrical section of a solid outer conductor of the cable. The cylindrical section may be formed in the cable by drawing a cable end into an interference fit between a sleeve and an outer conductor seat formed in the connector body. Alternatively, the cylindrical section may be formed in the outer conductor during cable manufacture and the cylindrical section retained between the outer conductor seat and a crimp ring radially deformed by an angled die face during axial compression. To increase flexibility of a straight walled cable, annular corrugations may be formed in the solid outer conductor with the cylindrical sections at each corrugation peak. The cylindrical section having a length of at least 3 millimeters or 4 times the corrugation depth.

Abstract: An antenna mount with a primary mount having a connecting surface(s) for an azimuth plate. The azimuth plate rotationally coupled to the connecting surface via an az-pivot fastener and rigidly connectable to the connecting surface via a pair of az-lockdown fasteners passing through az-lockdown slots in the azimuth plate. A pair of connection point(s) of the primary mount and the azimuth plate, respectively, movable towards and away from each other as an azimuth bolt coupling the connection points is threaded in or out of a threaded surface at one of the pair of connection points. The azimuth bolt carrying an az-bias spring compressed between the connection points biasing the connection points apart. Movement of the connection points towards and away from each other pivoting the azimuth plate with respect to the primary mount about the az-pivot fastener. Further pivot surfaces may also be added, providing an additional adjustment axis.

Abstract: A radome and a reflector antenna configured to mate with the radome. The radome has a central portion and a surrounding outer portion. The central portion having a radius selected to redirect a reflected component of the transmitted RF signal from the radome to the vertex area of the reflector. The outer portion has a larger radius selected to minimize radiation pattern degradation. RF absorbing material located at the vertex area reduces return loss of the reflector antenna. The radome attaches to the reflector via a plurality of tabs formed proximate the periphery of the radome that correspond to a plurality of cut outs in the periphery of the reflector. When inserted and rotated, the radome secures to the reflector without requiring tools.

Abstract: A multi-band reflector antenna having a main reflector, a sub reflector, a first feed and a second feed. The first feed, the sub reflector and the main reflector positioned in a Gregorian optic configuration wherein an output of the first feed is directed to the sub reflector, from the sub reflector to the main reflector and from the main reflector into a first beam. The sub reflector may be shaped to distribute the output of the first feed reflecting off the sub reflector onto the main reflector whereby a central area of the main reflector has a lower illumination than a surrounding outer area of the main reflector and or elongated vertically. The second feed projecting from a hole in the sub reflector is oriented whereby an output of the second feed is directed to the main reflector and from the main reflector into a second beam.

Abstract: A directional antenna formed by associating a stationary generally omni-directional antenna element with an RF reflector formed from, for example, a folded, parabolic or elliptical RF reflecting surface. Rotating the RF reflector about the stationary antenna element creates a directional characteristic in the resulting antenna over, for example, a 360 degree range of azimuth. Rotation of the RF reflector may be remotely driven by a motor coupled, for example, to a gear connected to the RF reflector. The direct connection of the antenna element and the enclosed lightweight rotating assembly provide a reliable, easy to install and cost effective antenna.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.

Abstract: A reflector antenna with a self supported feed assembly that may be formed by injection molding. A waveguide portion of the feed assembly has a dielectric cone at a distal end that supports and retains a sub reflector, for example along a periphery of the sub reflector. A conductive surface coating on an internal surface of the waveguide and a bottom surface of the sub reflector creates surfaces with RF reflective and conductive properties. The return loss of the feed assembly is reduced due to a reduction of the thickness of the material forming the dielectric cone, compared to prior dielectric block designs and a soft boundary condition produced by dielectric coating of the waveguide which aids in reducing reflections to the vertex area of the reflector.

Abstract: A turn-lock waveguide transition assembly mountable to, for example, the feed assembly of an antenna. The transition assembly having a clamping groove which engages, for example, the heads of a plurality of clamping screws upon seating of the transition assembly onto a spigot of the feed assembly. The clamping screw heads enter the clamping groove via cut-outs along the sides of the transition assembly and engage the clamping groove upon rotation of the transition assembly. Alignment indicia on the transition assembly and the, for example, antenna base aid quick alignment of the transition assembly to a desired alignment, for example to a selected polarization if an aperture is added to a bore of the transition assembly. Because of the engagement between the clamping groove and the clamping screw heads, the polarization may be changed 90 degrees without removing the transition assembly from the spigot.

Abstract: A cost efficient multi-band antenna, for use with non-harmonically related frequency bands, for example dual Wi-Fi frequency bands. An antenna element extends away from a ground plane. A sleeve positioned coaxial about the antenna element is spaced apart from the antenna element and the ground plane. Dimensions, spacing and dielectric constants of the antenna element, sleeve and any dielectric spacers are selected to tune the antenna to the desired frequency bands. Further, the ground plane may be the radiating element of, for example a GPS module or SDAR antenna to create a triple frequency band antenna assembly.

Abstract: An electronic radio frequency (RF) identification system 10 is disclosed and claimed. The system includes an interrogator 11 and a plurality of RF transponders 12.1 to 12.n. In use, each transponder is operative in response to an interrogation signal 14 to respond with a forward error correctable data message 16.1 including base data encoded as symbol characters in accordance with a forward error correcting code, such as a Reed Solomon Code, and check characters on the base data as defined in the forward error correcting code. The interrogator 11 utilizes data relating to the forward error correcting code, the symbol characters and check characters in the received forward error correctable data message, to reconstruct the base data in the event of corruption of the forward error correctable data message during transmission.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus interconnection formed bya plurality of shells adapted to mate together, surrounding the interconnection within an interconnection space. When mated together, the shells forming openings for the cable and the apparatus at an apparatus end and a cable end, respectively. A gasket mounted to each shell along a mating surface between the shells and along the openings environmentally seals the interconnection space. A locking rib projecting inward from the shell(s) may be applied to rotationally interlock a coupling nut of the interconnection with the sealing assembly. In a two shell embodiment, a locking band positioned around an outer diameter of the mated together shells with an end to end retaining means may be used to secure the shells together. Alternatively, if three shells are used, the shells may be hinged together and a retaining means applied to join the unhinged ends together.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted to seal around an interconnection between a cable and an apparatus. The seal assembly formed from two shell halves which join together around the interconnection that are sealed by a gasket against a connector body attached to the apparatus at an apparatus end and another gasket against the cable at a cable end. The cable end gasket is adapted to be pressed between the cable and a conical cable end gasket surface by a nut which threads onto a thread formed on the two shell halves. The nut and cable end gasket are adapted to attach to the cable without passing over a connector attached to the cable end. The cable end gasket has a slit and the nut is formed from two parts which join together, around the cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector adapted for interconnection with a helically corrugated outer conductor coaxial cable via axial compression. Threads formed in an interior bore of the connector body threadably engage helical corrugations of the outer conductor. Upon axial compression of an interface into an interference fit with the body, a leading edge of the outer conductor is deformed, creating a high quality uniform electrical interconnection and preventing unthreading of the cable from the connector. Gaskets environmentally sealing the various entry paths into the connector are also sealably compressed by the axial movement of the various connector components during axial compression.

Abstract: A tool for forming flares in, for example, corrugated elliptical tubing. The tool may have a retaining portion having a longitudinal axis located between an impact surface and a die head. The die head is coupled to the retaining portion on a first side, and on a second side the die head has a guide plug extending from an inner area of a flare surface normal to the longitudinal axis; and a bottoming surface extending from a periphery of the flare surface. The bottoming surface is oriented at an angle to the flare surface. A saw guide may be used to obtain an appropriate extension of the tube from a stop which the flare is formed against.

Abstract: A sub-reflector for a dish reflector antenna with a waveguide supported sub-reflector. The sub-reflector formed from a dielectric block, concentric about a longitudinal axis. The dielectric block having a first diameter waveguide junction portion adapted for coupling to an end of the waveguide and a sub-reflector surface coated with an RF reflective material having a periphery with a second diameter larger than the first diameter. A leading cone surface extends from the waveguide junction portion to the second diameter at an angle. The sub-reflector surface and the leading cone surface having a plurality of non-periodic perturbations concentric about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A common ground assembly for a plurality of electrical cables with a ground strap having a plurality of cable retaining portions adapted to receive and contact the outer conductor of each electrical cable. Inwardly projecting lip edges may be formed in the cable retaining portions to retain each electrical cable within a cable retaining portion. The ground strap may be electrically isolated from surrounding structure by a support insulator and a retaining insulator with cable retaining portions adapted to further urge each outer conductor into electrical contact with a cable retaining portion. If integrated with a feedthrough in the form of a base plate with an aperture, a flange of the baseplate may support the support insulator and a fastening plate may be used to compress the retaining insulator towards the ground strap, the fastening plate dimensioned to cover the aperture.