Patents by Inventor John O. Shepard

John O. Shepard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4602259
    Abstract: A polar mount for a parabolic satellite tracking antenna insures close tracking of the antenna to a synchronous satellite track sector bearing multiple satellites within the earth's equatorial plane. The apparatus tilts the polar pivot axis of the antenna and the dip of the antenna boresight to cause an elliptical antenna track which better approximates the track of the synchronous satellite. The antenna is provided with a removable Polaris telescope alignment fixture to permit selective adjustment of the tilt angle at a sine setting derived from specific formula prior to aligning the antenna mount for true north and with further ajustment for dip angle or declination to achieve alignment accuracy within thirty arc-seconds of the antenna boresight to the satellite track sector bearing the satellites whose signals are to be received. A zero backlash linear actuator selectively drives the antenna about the polar axis to sweep the satellite track sector, with exacting alignment, from satellite to satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: John O. Shepard