Patents Examined by HoangAnh T. Le
  • Satellite dish cover
    Patent number: 5815125
    Abstract: A satellite dish cover, especially suited for protecting a satellite dish assembly of standard construction, includes a sheet of material constructed and arranged for being disposed over the dish and feeder horn of the satellite dish assembly. The sheet has a main body panel which wraps around the dish and feeder horn of the satellite dish assembly and a secondary body panel which extends from the dish to the support of the satellite dish assembly. The main body panel has an outer end portion for receiving the feeder horn therein. A cinching mechanism is affixed to the end portion for cinching and tightening the main body panel about the dish and feeder horn of the satellite dish assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David Z. Kelly, Michael G. Ryan
  • Evanescent coupling antenna and method for use therewith
    Patent number: 5815124
    Abstract: A scanning antenna is disclosed including: a rotatable cylinder having an outer surface; a continuously, or steppingly, varying period conductive grating pattern of separated strips on the outer surface, the varying conductive grating pattern of separated strips defining a grating axis; and a first elongated dielectric waveguide defining a first waveguide axis, the first elongated dielectric waveguide being located proximally adjacent and alongside the varying conductive grating pattern of separated strips so as to evanescently couple electromagnetic signals with the first elongated dielectric waveguide. The scanning antenna provides advantages in that the gain is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Manasson, Lev S. Sadovnik, Paul I. Shnitser
  • Mounting structure for combined automotive trim accessory and antenna
    Patent number: 5812095
    Abstract: A vehicular radio reception antenna is concealed within a body trim piece such as a spoiler or a luggage rack. A supporting body panel is utilized as a ground plane and a conductive loop is concealed within the trim piece. A transmission line connects two opposite sides of the resulting slot. Capacitors are used to connect the conducting loop to the sheet metal ground plane in order to form a dual slot/monopole antenna for receiving both FM and AM signals. An integrated mounting structure provides both mechanical and electrical connection of the trim piece and antenna in a single integrated assembly part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Andrew Adrian, Timothy Joseph Talty, Bruce Robert Jones, Tamara Jean Nordstrom
  • PCMCIA card providing base unit for one-way RF signal reception and acoustic acknowledgment signal generation
    Patent number: 5811786
    Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having at least one automatic portable bar code reading device, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the scanned bar code data is synthesized, packaged prior to transmitting to the base unit. The base unit generates an acoustical acknowledgment signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and the indicates that the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received. The base unit comprises a card-like structure, a carrier signal receiving unit, a carrier signal demodulating unit, and an acoustical acknowledgment signal generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: George B. Rockstein, David M. Wilz, Stephen J. Colavito, Gene German, Carl Harry Knowles
  • Antenna coupler for a portable radiotelephone
    Patent number: 5812094
    Abstract: A novel and improved antenna coupler useful in an adapter for a portable radiotelephone. In a first embodiment, a plurality of curved bands of metal are positioned on a ground plane, with at least one of the plurality of curved bands of metal being electrically isolated from the ground plane so as to couple RF signals to and from the antenna of a portable telephone. At least one ground pin is also mounted on the ground plane. When a portable radiotelephone is interfaced with the antenna coupler, the at least one ground pin makes electrical contact with assembly screws or an external ground pad of a battery charging port on the portable radiotelephone. In a second embodiment, a coupling pin makes direct contact with an component of the RF chain of the portable radiotelephone. In a third embodiment, a helical coupler surrounds the antenna of the portable radiotelephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: David Maldonado
  • Retractable antenna connector assembly system and method
    Patent number: 5812098
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignees: Sharp Microelectronics Technology, Inc., Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Rick Dale Harris, Tai Won Youn, Jagtar Singh Saroya
  • Antenna assembly for a wireless-communication device
    Patent number: 5812093
    Abstract: A retractable antenna assembly provides a substantially matched antenna impedance to a matching circuit (712) of a radiotelephone (200) whether the retractable antenna assembly is in the extended position or the retracted position. In one embodiment parts (304, 312) of a capacitor (714) are integrally formed on an upper portion of the retractable antenna assembly (206) such that when in the retracted position the capacitor (714) contributes to the overall antenna impedance. In another embodiment a capacitor (1302) is integrally formed on the lower portion of the retractable antenna assembly (900).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Thompson, Jin D. Kim, Jon J. Powles
  • Multiple-satellite receive antenna with siamese feedhorn
    Patent number: 5812096
    Abstract: A siamese feedhorn for a satellite receiving antenna capable of simultaneously receiving signals from satellites in different geostationary satellite positions. The siamese feedhorn preferably includes a first waveguide section mated with a second waveguide section. The first waveguide section is preferably positioned at the antenna's focal point to receive signals from within the antenna's beamwidth. The second waveguide section is positioned at an offset distance from the focal point to receive signals from a satellite in a different geostationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur R. Tilford
  • Side-by-side coil-fed antenna for a portable radio
    Patent number: 5808586
    Abstract: Multiple helical coils (110, 120, 130) are placed side-by-side and coupled to a conductive straight portion (140) of an antenna to provide a multi-band antenna structure. The helical coils (110, 120, 130) are distanced from one another to sufficiently eliminate coupling interference therebetween. A portable radio capable of communication in many different frequency bands utilizing a single, compact antenna structure is thus realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Phillips, Robert J. DeGroot
  • Hand-held optical indicia reader having a controlled oscillating system for optimal indicia reading
    Patent number: 5804805
    Abstract: An optical indicia reader for reading information encoded in optical indicia is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical indicia reader comprises a light source positioned within the indicia reader to illuminate an imaging area containing optical indicia, an oscillatory system for scanning a light beam over the optical indicia, and a controller for controlling the oscillatory system. The controller is capable of directing the oscillatory system to position the light beam in a fixed relationship to an aiming axis of the reader. The oscillatory system may be fixed in position when the optical indicia reader is in a proximity sensing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Norand Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Phillip Miller, George E. Hanson
  • Two-feed full duplex transmitter/receiver for ultra small-aperture satellite communications terminal
    Patent number: 5805116
    Abstract: The satellite communications terminal employs separate transmit and receive feedhorns, offset from one another, to achieve adequate isolation of received and transmitted signals during full duplex operation. In one implementation, described herein, the satellite communications terminal employs an ultra-small-aperture dish antenna having an aperture of about one meter. Signals are received and transmitted at Ku band wavelengths of about 12 gigahertz and 14 gigahertz respectively. For this implementation, an extended focal point zone occurs, rather than a discrete focal point. Both the receive and transmit feedhorns are positioned within the focal point zone thereby achieving adequate gain to both reception and transmission. However, the receive and transmit feedhorns are offset from one another to minimize the coupling of feedback transmission signals into the receive feedhorn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven A. Morley
  • Antenna switching circuit suitable for a radio-frequency apparatus with a built-in antenna
    Patent number: 5801661
    Abstract: An antenna switching circuit for a portable radio-frequency apparatus, such as a portable telephone, provides an antenna switching circuit which enables switching of a radio-frequency signal path passing through an antenna, between a built-in antenna and an external antenna, and which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the components of the apparatus, which comprises a built-in antenna 3, an external-antenna connector 2a and a radio-frequency cable 6 serving as a path for radio-frequency signals, with an electrical control switch 11 for selecting either the built-in antenna 3 or the external-antenna connector 2a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Chip antenna
    Patent number: 5798737
    Abstract: A chip antenna having a substrate comprising either of a dielectric material or a magnetic material, at least one conductor formed on at least one side of a surface of the substrate or inside the substrate, and at least one feeding terminal provided on the surface of the substrate for applying a voltage to the conductor, a part of the conductor connecting with the feeding terminal. The end section of the conductor or a portion of the conductor other than an end section of the conductor may be connected with the feeding terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Kanaba, Kenji Asakura, Tsuyoshi Suesada, Teruhisa Tsuru, Harufumi Mandai
  • Hot air de-icing of satellite antenna with cover
    Patent number: 5798735
    Abstract: A system for preventing the interruption of satellite communications between an earth antenna and a satellite during inclement weather. The system is comprised of a cover, which covers the antenna and substantially prevent the accumulation of snow and precipitation on the antenna, and a heating system which provides heated air to a space between the cover and the antenna to inhibit snow from sticking to the cover and also to inhibit the formation of frozen moisture on the cover during freezing rain and freezing fog conditions. In one embodiment, the system has an electric heater and a blower system which draws air from the space between the cover and the antenna, heats this air and then recirculates the heated air back to the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: William B. Walton, Jr.
  • High efficiency compact antenna assembly
    Patent number: 5796369
    Abstract: A High Efficiency Compact Antenna Assembly for use as a vertical antenna, used for the radiation and reception of various band length signals. The antenna assembly includes an assembly such that operation of the antenna is as efficient as antennae of much greater height. The structure of the assembly preferably includes a large surface area housing atop a conductive mast and in spaced apart electrical communication with a substantially circular collector. Spanning from the outside wall of the vertical cylinder to the mast is a minimal turn inductor so that the inductor does not create a field that would interfere with the field from the mast of the antenna. A transmitter.backslash.receiver is in connection with the antenna assembly at the mast and the collector. The mast, minimal turn inductor, and vertical cylinder are in connection with each other, while the collector interacts electrically with each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: George Henf
  • Device for antenna units
    Patent number: 5796367
    Abstract: Device for antenna units (1) consisting of one or more radiation elements (4) for transmission and reception, respectively, of electromagnetic signals. The antenna unit (1) presents two ground planes arranged at different, predetermined ground plane distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Christer Andersson
  • Shrouded horn feed assembly
    Patent number: 5793334
    Abstract: A feed system for an antenna has a set of inner and outer coaxial waveguides which apply, respectively, both higher and lower frequency radiations to a common radiating aperture provided by a horn and shroud which envelops radiating apertures of the individual feed waveguides. Each of the feed waveguides carries signals having a bandwidth of an octave. Lower frequency radiation to be transmitted by the outer coaxial feed waveguide is applied thereto by a set of four waveguides of a launcher which launches a wave with a desired propagation mode into the outer feed waveguide. Each of the launch waveguides is initially a rectangular double-ridged waveguide for increase bandwidth. The ridging is reduced to a condition of no ridging in the outer feed waveguide by a transition to a single inner ridge which terminates in a tapered star-shaped combination ridge within the outer feed waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Ford Anderson, Paul Johann Gartside, Douglas Melville Harrison, Joseph Mark Baird
  • Conformal antenna assemblies
    Patent number: 5793336
    Abstract: A conformal antenna assembly disclosed has a first antenna portion sensitive to a UHF band of frequencies. A thin, flat, low-profile, weather-resistant housing encloses the first antenna portion. The housing has a conformal back surface that conforms to the shape of a support surface on which said housing is mounted. The housing has an arrangement to mount the housing to a support surface. In one form the housing is flat to mount on the side of a building and in another form is double curved to mount on the back of a satellite dish. A coaxial cable has a center conductor and a tubular outer conductor with an insulator between the conductors. The center conductor and outer conductor are connected at one end to the first antenna portion. The inner conductor terminates at the other end in an end terminal to conduct signals from the first antenna portion to the end terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Antennas America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin O. Shoemaker, Randall P. Marx
  • Plural band feed system
    Patent number: 5793335
    Abstract: A feed system for an antenna has a set of inner and outer coaxial waveguides which apply, respectively, both higher and lower frequency radiations to a common radiating aperture provided by a horn and shroud which envelops radiating apertures of the individual feed waveguides. Each of the feed waveguides carries signals having a bandwidth of an octave. Lower frequency radiation to be transmitted by the outer coaxial feed waveguide is applied thereto by a set of four waveguides of a launcher which launches a wave with a desired propagation mode into the outer feed waveguide. Each of the launch waveguides is initially a rectangular double-ridged waveguide for increase bandwidth. The ridging is reduced to a condition of no ridging in the outer feed waveguide by a transition to a single inner ridge which terminates in a tapered star-shaped combination ridge within the outer feed waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Ford Anderson, Joseph Mark Baird, Douglas Melville Harrison, Charles Andrew Deneris, Paul Johann Gartside, Friedrich J. Fisher, Mark Johnathon Yamamoto
  • Glass antenna for vehicles, and designing method of the same
    Patent number: 5793333
    Abstract: A vehicle glass antenna for receiving FM and AM radio waves, includes a first antenna line which vertically extends on a glass of the vehicle so as to receive the FM radio waves, and has a feeding point on the edge of the glass, and a second antenna line which is connected to the first antenna line at a position in the neighborhood of the feeding point so as to receive the radio waves in the AM band, and extends by a predetermined length in a loop pattern along the edge of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Taniguchi, Shigeyuki Satomura, Kazuo Shigeta, Kenji Kubota