Patents by Inventor Timothy John Conrad
Timothy John Conrad 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).
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Publication number: 20200350654Abstract: An antenna mounting system has a base assembly secured to a pipe mount, and a rotating assembly that supports the antenna and allows azimuth rotation. The base assembly includes a tubular insert extending downward into the pipe and a conical bearing surface. The rotating assembly has a tapered insert that slides into the tubular insert of the base assembly, and a conical bearing surface that is complementary to the conical bearing surface of the base assembly. The bottom of the tapered insert of the rotating assembly is rotatably secured to the bottom of the tubular insert of the base assembly by means of a fastener that permits azimuth rotation of the rotating assembly and antenna with respect to the base assembly. However, this configuration prevents axial (i.e., vertical) movement and movement in the horizontal plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Applicant: Winegard CompanyInventors: Jared David Schmidgall, Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 10629986Abstract: A portable antenna system has a dish antenna mounted to an antenna support platform and enclosed within a radome. The elevation and azimuth of the antenna can be adjustably directed over a range of angles with respect to the antenna support platform by a controller with electric motors. The antenna support platform is hinged at its periphery to a base. The hinge allows the antenna support platform and antenna to pivot upward with respect to the base between a stowed state in which the antenna support platform rests against the base, and a desired angle of elevation in a raised state. A prop extending between the base and antenna support platform holds the antenna support platform at the design elevation angle in the raised state. Optionally, this prop can allow an adjustable elevation angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Publication number: 20190341671Abstract: An antenna adjustment apparatus adapted to fit between an antenna mount and an antenna support frame for fine positioning a directional antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions. Two motors for controlling movement in the azimuth and elevation directions are mounted within a housing. The motors are pivotally connected and controlled through a control component which carries signals and power for controlling the operation of the motors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least upper and lower housing mounted to each other for rotational movement. Through the adjustment apparatus, a directional antenna can be rapidly positioned in both the azimuth and elevation directions from a remote location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Publication number: 20190131698Abstract: A portable antenna system has a dish antenna mounted to an antenna support platform and enclosed within a radome. The elevation and azimuth of the antenna can be adjustably directed over a range of angles with respect to the antenna support platform by a controller with electric motors. The antenna support platform is hinged at its periphery to a base. The hinge allows the antenna support platform and antenna to pivot upward with respect to the base between a stowed state in which the antenna support platform rests against the base, and a desired angle of elevation in a raised state. A prop extending between the base and antenna support platform holds the antenna support platform at the design elevation angle in the raised state. Optionally, this prop can allow an adjustable elevation angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 9083072Abstract: An antenna mount for adjusting the azimuth, elevation, and/or skew alignments of an antenna. The mount has a basic gearbox drive including a worm gear and worm wheel with interchangeable arcuate members that can be inserted in the basic drive design to customize it for azimuth, elevation, and/or skew adjustments. The arcuate member for azimuth adjustments permits the gearbox drive to rotate the attached antenna more than 360 degrees and provides two hard stop positions about 400 degrees from each other for reference points for the search routine and to prevent undue twisting of any attached, exterior wiring. Replacing the azimuth arcuate member with a modified or second arcuate member reduces the rotational movement (e.g., to 20 degrees) making the gearbox drive more suitable for elevation adjustments. Similarly, a third gearbox drive can be provided with a third arcuate member with more of a middle range of movement (e.g., 90-180 degrees) suitable for skew adjustments of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Joshua Richard Gallerick
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Publication number: 20150059500Abstract: An antenna mount for adjusting the azimuth, elevation, and/or skew alignments of an antenna. The mount has a basic gearbox drive including a worm gear and worm wheel with interchangeable arcuate members that can be inserted in the basic drive design to customize it for azimuth, elevation, and/or skew adjustments. The arcuate member for azimuth adjustments permits the gearbox drive to rotate the attached antenna more than 360 degrees and provides two hard stop positions about 400 degrees from each other for reference points for the search routine and to prevent undue twisting of any attached, exterior wiring. Replacing the azimuth arcuate member with a modified or second arcuate member reduces the rotational movement (e.g., to 20 degrees) making the gearbox drive more suitable for elevation adjustments. Similarly, a third gearbox drive can be provided with a third arcuate member with more of a middle range of movement (e.g., 90-180 degrees) suitable for skew adjustments of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Joshua Richard Gallerick
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Publication number: 20140158854Abstract: A skid for transporting, deploying and storing a portable antenna has an antenna mounting frame providing a base for the antenna. A skid frame with an enclosure contains the antenna mounting frame and houses the antenna in the stowed position The enclosure also has a top opening to allow the antenna to be deployed. A lid covers the opening when the antenna is in the stowed position, and can be removed from the opening to allow the antenna to be deployed. The skid frame supports the antenna mounting frame and antenna, and also enables the entire skid assembly to lifted and transported. Shock isolation members between the skid frame and antenna mounting frame isolate the antenna from external shocks. The skid can also be equipped with a cable reel for holding cables for external connections to the antenna that is mounted inside a hinged gate attached to the skid frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8505867Abstract: A mount for mobile electronic devices such as a satellite dish antenna system. The mount includes a tripod and an elongated post member supported on it by a universal joint or pivot mechanism. The post member extends along a longitudinal axis and the pivot mechanism allows the post member to be moved about two, substantially perpendicular pivotal axes relative to the tripod to align the longitudinal axis of the post member with the vertical. Once the axis of the post member is aligned vertically, the alignment system of the attachable satellite dish will then have a proper reference from which to aim or direct the dish (e.g., azimuth and elevation) for best reception and transmission. The mount includes an arrangement of cables extending between the tripod legs and adjustable straps extending between each tripod leg and the post member to provide a very strong and stable support for the satellite dish antenna system that is attachable to the upper end of the vertically aligned post member.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8390527Abstract: A lightweight, portable satellite dish antenna system having base and lid portions which can be configured relative to each other in carrying and deployed positions. The base and lid portions are substantially the same size and shape and have respective interior and exterior sides with the satellite dish antenna of the system pivotally mounted to the interior side of the lid portion. In the carrying position, the satellite dish antenna is retracted to align with the interior side of the lid portion and the lid and base portions are secured together with the interior sides thereof facing and abutting each other. In the deployed or operating position, the lid portion is inverted and placed atop the base portion with the exterior side of the lid portion and the interior side of the base portion facing and abutting one another on mating bearing surfaces extending about a central, vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8319697Abstract: A semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system having a portable mount for deploying a portable satellite antenna. The portable satellite antenna assembles for deployment using releasable connectors. The portable mount can be mounted to a post, a tripod, or a non-penetrating mount. The non-penetrating mount uses a pivoting pair of support wings that pivots upwardly for transportation and downwardly when deployed on a surface. When deployed, ballast is placed on the support wings to stabilize the semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8242968Abstract: A mobile television antenna having an antenna element outwardly extending from opposing ends of a housing. An UHF digital booster extends perpendicularly from one side of the housing between the opposing ends carrying the antenna element. At least one UHF parasitic antenna element is connected on a boom which is integrally connected to the mobile television antenna housing. The ultra high frequency parasitic antenna element is held in a plane near the plane in which the antenna element is held by the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Gail Edwin McCollum
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Publication number: 20120118931Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a reflector antenna, in a mobile satellite system on a transport, such as a vehicle, for substantially minimizing damage to the reflector antenna when stowed. The stabilizing mechanism uses a stabilizing surface and a pair of stabilizing devices connected on opposite sides of the reflector antenna to provide a pre-load separation distance between a stabilizing surface and the reflector antenna when the reflector antenna is stowed. The pre-loaded separation minimizes any movement of the reflector antenna towards the stabilizing surface during movement of the transport or in adverse environmental conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8169375Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a reflector antenna, in a mobile satellite system on a transport, such as a vehicle, for substantially minimizing damage to the reflector antenna when stowed. The stabilizing mechanism uses a stabilizing surface and a pair of stabilizing devices connected on opposite sides of the reflector antenna to provide a pre-load separation distance between a stabilizing surface and the reflector antenna when the reflector antenna is stowed. The pre-loaded separation minimizes any movement of the reflector antenna towards the stabilizing surface during movement of the transport or in adverse environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Patent number: 8018394Abstract: An aftermarket UHF parasitic antenna kit and method for a mobile television antenna includes: a base having an engagement surface and an extending boom; rivet holes in the engagement surface that correspond in size and location to a corresponding number of holes in the bottom of the mobile television antenna; push rivets that engage the rivet and bottom holes to hold the base to the bottom of the mobile television antenna; base foot holes in the engagement surface and boom; resilient base feet that engage the base foot holes; and at least one parasitic antenna element connected to the boom.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Gail Edwin McCollum
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Publication number: 20110215206Abstract: A mount for mobile electronic devices such as a satellite dish antenna system. The mount includes a tripod and an elongated post member supported on it by a universal joint or pivot mechanism. The post member extends along a longitudinal axis and the pivot mechanism allows the post member to be moved about two, substantially perpendicular pivotal axes relative to the tripod to align the longitudinal axis of the post member with the vertical. Once the axis of the post member is aligned vertically, the alignment system of the attachable satellite dish will then have a proper reference from which to aim or direct the dish (e.g., azimuth and elevation) for best reception and transmission. The mount includes an arrangement of cables extending between the tripod legs and adjustable straps extending between each tripod leg and the post member to provide a very strong and stable support for the satellite dish antenna system that is attachable to the upper end of the vertically aligned post member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Publication number: 20110095956Abstract: A semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system having a portable mount for deploying a portable satellite antenna. The portable satellite antenna assembles for deployment using releasable connectors. The portable mount can be mounted to a post, a tripod, or a non-penetrating mount. The non-penetrating mount uses a pivoting pair of support wings that pivots upwardly for transportation and downwardly when deployed on a surface. When deployed, ballast is placed on the support wings to stabilize the semi-permanent portable satellite antenna system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Publication number: 20110090132Abstract: A lightweight, portable satellite dish antenna system having base and lid portions which can be configured relative to each other in carrying and deployed positions. The base and lid portions are substantially the same size and shape and have respective interior and exterior sides with the satellite dish antenna of the system pivotally mounted to the interior side of the lid portion. In the carrying position, the satellite dish antenna is retracted to align with the interior side of the lid portion and the lid and base portions are secured together with the interior sides thereof facing and abutting each other. In the deployed or operating position, the lid portion is inverted and placed atop the base portion with the exterior side of the lid portion and the interior side of the base portion facing and abutting one another on mating bearing surfaces extending about a central, vertical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventor: Timothy John Conrad
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Publication number: 20100117911Abstract: An aftermarket UHF parasitic antenna kit and method for a mobile television antenna includes: a base having an engagement surface and an extending boom; rivet holes in the engagement surface that correspond in size and location to a corresponding number of holes in the bottom of the mobile television antenna; push rivets that engage the rivet and bottom holes to hold the base to the bottom of the mobile television antenna; base foot holes in the engagement surface and boom; resilient base feet that engage the base foot holes; and at least one parasitic antenna element connected to the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: WINEGARD COMPANYInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Gail Edwin McCollum
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Patent number: D620483Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Gail Edwin McCollum
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Patent number: D665385Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Winegard CompanyInventors: Timothy John Conrad, Joshua Richard Gallerick