Abstract: A trough waveguide antenna that has a septum and opposing bases and side walls. In one embodiment, the bases are undulated and asymmetrically disposed about the septum. The magnitude, periodicity and length, etc., of the undulations may be varied for performance. The configuration of the septum may be similarly varied. Other mechanisms for achieving energy radiation are also disclosed as are cost effective fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A transition is provided for interfacing a coplanar waveguide with a three dimensional microwave waveguide. The transition includes three coplanar conductors that are formed integrally with and extend from the coplanar waveguide. The transition extends into the microwave waveguide through a slot, with the plane of the transition being perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the electric field in the waveguide. The center conductor of the transition is a patch whose width increases. The other two conductors are attached to the side conductors of the coplanar waveguide and to the exterior of the waveguide. They flank the patch and have curved edges complementary to those of the patch. The gaps are initially narrow, and become wider gradually. Further, as each guide steers the electric field while changing direction by 90.degree., it rotates the orientation of the electric field vector by the same amount.

Abstract: An antenna base has a holding structure for installing an antenna directly thereon. The base also has a base plate with an axis perpendicular to the axis of an installed antenna. An antenna mounting plate is suitable for having the base plate affixed to it. The antenna mounting plate is supported relative to a pole clamp by a spherical shell. The mounting plate, exposed through an opening in the shell, is supported for rotating about a horizontal axis passing through the plate to provide for elevation angle adjustment. Locking screws are used to secure the adjusted elevation angle. The pole clamp has a pair of axially spaced tracks that define an arcuate path that extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the clamp. The shell is held in position adjacent to the clamp by two pairs of guide elements in a way that allows the shell to move along the arcuate path.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated key switch that actuates when a force is applied to an individual key but does not actuate when a uniform pressure is applied to all of the keys. The pressure-compensated key switch includes at least two keys arranged approximately symmetrically about, and balanced on, a pivot. A switch mechanism actuates when a force that offsets the balance and depresses one of the keys. The uniform pressure applied equally to all the keys will not depress or actuate any of the keys. When an individual key is depressed, a pad made of conductive material contacts and bridges a gap between two electrodes to complete an electrical path. The bridging of the gap is the actuation of the switch mechanism. The pressure-compensated key switch is typically part of a system that includes an electrical device to sense completion of the electrical path. A spring returns the key to its un-depressed position when no depressing force is applied.