Abstract: A center-pivoted, conductive vane equipped with contact-enhancing finger stock on the wiping edges rests during normal operation of a modified waveguide section parallel to and equidistant between the broad faces of the waveguide, where it interacts minimally with RF propagating through the waveguide. When it is desired to provide a short circuit to the waveguide, for a safety lockout or other uses, the vane can be rotated into a position to provide a substantial barrier to RF propagation. Rotating the pivot shaft, to which the vane is rigidly attached, performs rotation of the vane. The shaft is equipped with lockable stops for the open and shorted positions. Multiple center-pivoted vanes in a multiple-branch waveguide can form a switch.

Abstract: High-power coaxial signal lines, as used for example in television transmitters, employ patch panels with coaxial connections typically 7 cm to 30 cm in diameter to permit rerouting of signals. Like smaller patch panels, these use U-shaped coaxial links; rigid U-links for this application may be a meter between centers and weigh many kilograms. A patch panel handle and latch mechanism includes a gripping handle element integral with a latching element, the combination of which permits the user to grasp a pair of handles, release the latches retaining a U-link, remove the U-link from its position on the patch panel, and reposition the U-link without altering grip. Unlike previous designs, the novel handle/latch mechanism avoids hammers and clamps, as well as avoiding grasping large, fragile, possibly hot or dirty equipment, allowing the task to be performed with integral handles.

Abstract: An apparatus directs two high-power UHF transmitter signals to one or the other or a combination of output destinations as determined by the setting of control components. Redirection between outputs can be performed continuously under full power. Using the apparatus, synchronous amplifiers directed to the same output produce a signal with all of the power of both amplifiers. The signals can be shifted to the station load without shutting down the amplifiers. After a failure, the remaining amplifier can be redirected to provide a clean signal.

Abstract: A switchless combiner for high-power broadcast signals incorporates a circular waveguide configured as an orthogonal mode transducer to provide a coherent signal and a phase rotator to steer the combined signal to an output coupler. Out-of-phase RF is absorbed by a station load. The phase rotator is capable of redirecting the output from either of the sources or all of the combined output to the station load. Switching between destinations for the RF components may be made with power applied. The input and output characteristics and mechanical configuration permit the switchless combiner to be integrated with other high-power RF broadcast signal manipulation devices.

Abstract: An apparatus directs two high-power UHF transmitter signals to one or the other or a combination of output destinations as determined by the setting of control components. Redirection between outputs can be performed continuously under full power. Using the apparatus, synchronous amplifiers directed to the same output produce a signal with all of the power of both amplifiers. The signals can be shifted to the station load without shutting down the amplifiers. After a failure, the remaining amplifier can be redirected to provide a clean signal.

Abstract: A center-pivoted, conductive vane equipped with contact-enhancing finger stock on the wiping edges rests during normal operation of a modified waveguide section parallel to and equidistant between the broad faces of the waveguide, where it interacts minimally with RF propagating through the waveguide. When it is desired to provide a short circuit to the waveguide, for a safety lockout or other uses, the vane can be rotated into a position to provide a substantial barrier to RF propagation. Rotating the pivot shaft, to which the vane is rigidly attached, performs rotation of the vane. The shaft is equipped with lockable stops for the open and shorted positions. Multiple center-pivoted vanes in a multiple-branch waveguide can form a switch.