Having Mechanical Switching Means Patents (Class 333/105)
  • Patent number: 5638035
    Abstract: A conducting housing (to be closed by a lid) for a coaxial cable distribution network has a common port and one of an aerial or pedestal port. A motherboard carries an RF circuit and a transfer switch. In one setting of the transfer switch the RF circuit connects a coaxial pin at the common port with a coaxial pin at the pedestal port. In the other setting the common port pin is connected to the aerial port pin. When the aerial port is used on a rectangular housing, a transmission line forms part of the RF circuit between the motherboard and the aerial port. The transmission is preferably a central conductor spaced over most of its length by air from an outer conductor in the form of an inverted U enclosing the central conductor on three sides. Preferably a ground plane on the back of the motherboard connects to the transmission line outer conductor to provide a path entry in the housing at both ends for ground currents generated by signals in the RF path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: J. E. Thomas Specialties Limited
    Inventors: Robert L. Romerein, David B. Crowhurst, Zdenek J. Nepovim, Kenneth W. Lynes
  • Patent number: 5635881
    Abstract: A conducting housing for use in a coaxial cable distribution system is of larger length than width and defines an RF signal path therein. A part of the RF signal path is the inner conductor of inner and outer approximately coextensive conductors. The inner conductor except near its ends has only air separating it from the outer conductor. The outer conductor will usually be of a U-shape lying, in section, on three sides of the central conductor. The outer conductor may be structally combined with an insulating plate supporting the remainder of the RF circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: J.E. Thomas Specialties Limited
    Inventors: Robert L. Romerein, David B. Crowhurst
  • Patent number: 5619494
    Abstract: The single port of a concentrator is branched into a plurality of ports by connecting a connector for the former-stage connector to the port of the concentrator and connecting the former-stage connector of the same structure in the other access unit to the connector for the latter-stage circuit to thereby cascade a plurality of access units. The LAN is expanded by connecting the workstation to the port connector of each of the cascaded access units. The thus, connected workstations provide an overlap signal of an AC signal and a DC signal. DC signal extraction circuit in the access unit extracts the DC signal from the overlap signal. A relay drive circuit is operated by the DC signal so that a relay is switched to the port connector side and the circuit is then connected to the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nishikawa, Hiroshi Ishihara
  • Patent number: 5499006
    Abstract: A radio frequency switch operates by permanent magnets located in a rotatable actuator. The permanent magnets of the actuator are arranged in groups so that there is at least one magnet in each group that has an opposite polarity to another magnet in the same group. The permanent magnets within the same group are located adjacent to one another. Conductors within an RF cavity have permanent magnets mounted thereon where all of the magnets have the same polarity. The switch can be moved from a first position to a second position by moving the actuator a distance not exceeding 40.degree. and, preferably from 10.degree. to 30.degree.. In the first position, one permanent magnet of one group interacts with the magnet on the conductor to move the conductor. In the second position, another magnet of the same group interacts with the magnet of the conductor to move the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Com Dev Ltd.
    Inventors: Klaus G. Engel, Regina Kwiatkowska
  • Patent number: 5482469
    Abstract: The disclosed module is used in a digital telecommunication network having a digital cross-connect system. The module comprises a compact, self-contained, six jack port, dual monitor, digital signal cross-connect switching module. A plurality of modules comprise a system having provisions for cross-connect switching, rerouting, repair, patch and roll and monitoring. The interior of the module housing is specifically designed to conform with its internal assemblage so as to have the total effect of providing improved digital signal performance. The internal assemblage consists of a switching mechanism, monitoring circuits, resistors, conductors, inductors and insulators providing digital signal access through its six jack ports. Two of the jack ports are multi-purpose, having provisions for monitoring as well as digital signal access. A transmission system having this module has a digital signal range of at least 300 KHz to 100 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Trimm, Inc.
    Inventors: Aurel Seiceanu, Nicholas J. Logisz, Rueben M. Beilke
  • Patent number: 5483554
    Abstract: Modulator especially for digital cellular telephone systems, characterised in that it comprises a programmable peripheral processor (25) carrying out, with the same circuits, the modulation function and the channel coder/decoder tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerard Chauvel, Gael Clave, Marc Couvrat
  • Patent number: 5481073
    Abstract: The basic element of a modular, bidirectional broadband programmable switch system is a switch module having a thin rectangular housing with a single first connector preferably in the center of an elongated rear face and n second connectors equally spaced along the elongated front face. Broadband switches within the module selectively connect the single first connector with any one of the second connectors to provide an n.times.1 or 1.times.n switch. Up to n of the switch modules can be stacked side-by-side with an additional module extending transversely with its n second connectors connected to the first connectors on the stacked modules to provide an n.sup.2 .times.1 or 1.times.n.sup.2 switch. The first connectors on the additional modules of two such stacks can be connected to provide an n.sup.2.times.n.sup.2 switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Quintech, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Singer, Francis J. DeSantis, Harry Krasnikoff
  • Patent number: 5334879
    Abstract: A feeding system is provided for supplying a current to repeaters on a communication cable including a feed line for conducting a current to the repeaters. The feeding system includes a plurality of branching units provided on the communication cable and terminal stations each being connected through at least one of the repeaters to one of the branching units, and each of the terminal stations feeding a current through the feed line to the repeaters. In addition each of the plurality of branching units includes at least one switching circuit for switching to connect the at least one of the repeaters to the communication cable or to the ground, depending on the amount of current conducting through the feed line in the communication cable. Further, the current thresholds of the switching circuits in the plurality of branching units are preferably different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Inoue, Masaaki Takahashi, Kenji Ohta
  • Patent number: 5247267
    Abstract: A coaxial microwave device, such as a microwave switching device, for example, having improved thermal and power handling characteristics. At least one thermally conductive short-circuit element is located between inner (input and output) and outer conductors of the microwave coaxial or switching device. Consequently, heat losses generated in the inner conductors are conductively channeled away from heat sensitive materials. Typically, quarter-wavelength elements provide a thermal path to reduce heat buildup, thus enabling the microwave coaxial device or switching device to operate at higher RF power levels without overstressing components or materials. However, short circuit elements having element lengths other than one-quarter-wavelength may be employed to offset mismatches in a transmission line, for example. Furthermore, the short circuit elements may be used singularly or in pairs to provide for improved thermal and power handling characteristics in the devices in which they are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Harold H. Yee, Robert Morgen
  • Patent number: 5196984
    Abstract: A branching unit for use in a submarine telecommunications cable system which employs electrical power feeding for repeaters/regenerators and in particular a system employing multiple branching units. The unit terminates three line cables (at 1, 2, 3) and a sea earth (at 4) and includes three high voltage element relays (A, A1; B, B1; C, C1) only one of which is energized at a time. When electrical power is supplied between any two line cables the third is isolated and connected to the sea earth. Short circuit or open circuit faults in one line cable may be isolated and connected to the sea earth, whilst allowing powering of the remaining fault free two line cables. The unit is polarity insensitive and symmetrical, cathodic protection being provided on all three lines (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventor: Stephen M. Webb
  • Patent number: 5132644
    Abstract: A microstrip switch having a conductive path comprises a grounded waveguide cavity-defining enclosure. A movable switch member having first and second, separated, electrically conductive segments is mounted within a path-interrupting gap for movement between an open position and a closed position. The first conductive segment is always electrically coupled to the cavity enclosure. The second conductive segment comprises a cantilevered, springy member for contact with the conductive path on either side of the gap when the switch is closed. Single-throw and double-throw embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Siegfried G. Knorr
  • Patent number: 5075656
    Abstract: A microwave switch employs a slender reed contact which bridges across a pair of microwave probe ends to permit microwave signals to pass therebetween. The reed contact is connected to one end of a dielectric actuator post and a permanent magnet is affixed to a headed end of the post, a medial portion of the post extending through a microwave housing wall. A cup-shaped bushing preferably made of a polyimide plastic and a lubricating filler such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, surrounds the edge and bottom periphery of the magnet and the post head and reciprocates on an inner periphery of a steel ring clamping an iron washer in a housing wall counterbore. The magnet is statically magnetically attracted to the iron washer moving the attached post and reed contact into bridging contact with the microwave probes to form a path for microwave signals between the probes. A solenoid is positioned above the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Teledyne Microwave
    Inventors: Richard L. Sun, Krzysztof J. Ciezarek
  • Patent number: 5065125
    Abstract: C-, T- and S-switches have a connector or reed in each conducting path. The connector or reed contains a support for a permanent magnet. All of the magnets of the connectors have the same polarity. The connectors, supports and permanent reed magnets in the supports are contained within an RF cavity housing, which can be completely sealed from an actuator or, alternatively, the housing can be open to the actuator. The actuator has a circular shape and contains permanent magnets that correspond in their configuration to the reed magnets of the housing. At least two magnets of the actuator have different polarities. The actuator can be rotated by a motor to two or more positions. In one position, one or more of the reed magnets are attracted and one or more of the reed magnets are repelled. The switch is designed so that when a reed magnet is attracted, the conducting path in which the connector is located is interrupted and when a reed magnet is repelled, the conducting path is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Com Dev Ltd.
    Inventors: R. Glenn Thomson, Paul Y. Tsoi
  • Patent number: 5060293
    Abstract: A four port antenna switch (300) for switching a receive port (320) and a transmit port (310) between a remote antenna port (330) and a standard antenna port (340) is provided. The switching actions of the receive port (320) between the remote antenna port (330) and the standard antenna port (340) is provided by a relay (350) under the control of a relay controller (352, 354, 400). The switching of the transmit port (310) between the standard antenna port (340) and the remote antenna port (330) is provided by diode switches (360, 370) under the control of diode switch controllers (332, 324, 312, 314, 400). The switching actions of the relay (350) and the diode switches (370, and 360) is complementary to each other, wherein sufficient isolation between the receive port and the transmit port is provided. In this arrangement, a low power relay may be used because the relay only switches low level received signals, and the high power transmit signals are switched by the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gee S. Kok, Sek L. Chan, Wan F. Tay, Pek B. Teo, Chacko Prakash, Hock S. Lim
  • Patent number: 5053731
    Abstract: The software reconfigurable transmission line apparatus uses a multi layer printed circuit board on which is deposited a plurality of signal conductors and associated ground plane conductors. The signal conductors and ground plane conductors are oriented in a parallel juxtaposed configuration such that they implement a two wire shielded transmission line. Switching devices located at either end of each of these conductors are operable under software control to reconfigure the connection of these conductors to their associated terminals to implement two wire floating or coax transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: John L. Algiere, Tom T. Sesnic
  • Patent number: 5047740
    Abstract: A mechanical switch for switching microwave signals and the like from one coaxial-type connector to another includes a housing to which are mounted three coaxial-type connectors with their inward ends located adjacent first and second jumpers. The first jumper is supported at one end of a first slider which is movable between a closed position at which two connector ends are electrically connected by the first jumper and an isolated position at which the two connector ends are not electrically connected by the first jumper. The second jumper is supported at one end of a second slider which is movable between a closed position at which two others of the connector ends are electrically connected by the second jumper and an isolated position at which the two other connector ends are not electrically connected together by the second jumper. A spring moves the second slider to its isolated position when the first slider is moved to its closed position and visa versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Robert E. Alman
  • Patent number: 5023575
    Abstract: In a coaxial antenna selector having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, a reduction in switching and control expenditure and in the crosstalk sensitivity is achieved due to the fact that each of the lines is associated with a coaxial moving link element which allows a direct connection to be established between an arbitrary transmitter and an arbitrary antenna.In the simplest case, the link elements are constructed as telescopically extendable extensions of the input and output lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventor: Stojan Davcev
  • Patent number: 4982442
    Abstract: An antenna switch using two low-cost relays substantially improves isolation of signals from a transmitter to a receiver by connecting an impedance across the input of a receiver during transmit. During receive, the transmitter is disconnected from the antenna while the receiver is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamlet Sarokhanian
  • Patent number: 4967174
    Abstract: The rotating coaxial switch first lifts the switching circuitry, including portions of the ground plane, rotates it to a new position, and then lowers the switching circuitry in the new position to make new connections. Rotation is by a stepper motor. Lifting is by any convenient solenoid. Both these functions (lift and rotate) can be combined in a single actuator module. Development and use of a combination actuator module reduces the size and weight of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Harold H. Yee, James F. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4965542
    Abstract: This invention concerns a magnetic switch assembly used for switching input and output signals between coaxial transmission lines connected to a body having a closed cavity in which terminals of the lines are exposed. One or more conductive contact members, which are the only moving parts in the cavity, bridge one or more pairs of line terminals in closed circuit portion. The contact members are moved magnetically from open to closed position, and are latched or held failsafe by stationary permanent magnets or pulsed electromagnets. The contact members are moved to open position by pulsed electromagnets or rotatable permanent magnets. The contact members comprise magnetized strips, magnetic strips, or nonmagnetic strips carrying magnets or magnetic members. The assembly can be arranged for single or multiple pole, single or multiple throw switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Victor Nelson
  • Patent number: 4922253
    Abstract: A radio frequency transmitting shutter operable at low power and high speed for use in the protection of a radar or electronic warfare array comprising a multiplicity of individual conductive beam members interconnected by electrostatic switches formed using high yield, common photolithographic methods is disclosed. Further, a photosensitive embodiment of this device which would allow activation of the shutter wherever the light falls upon the shutter during radar protection, is disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Harvey C. Nathanson, Michael C. Driver, Regis J. Betsch
  • Patent number: 4908588
    Abstract: A matrix switch is provided having a plurality of input and output conductors adjacent each other such that an input connector may be connected to one of many output connectors upon actuation of a single movable conductor. Transfer conductors disposed adjacent to the input and output connectors allows the input connector to be electrically coupled to the remaining output connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Hu Development Corporation
    Inventors: Jerzy Hoffman, Krzysztof J. Ciezarek
  • Patent number: 4882554
    Abstract: A multi-drop type bus line system having a plurality of terminals respectively connected to a common bus line, in which each terminal has a connector interconnecting with the other terminals and the connectors at the respective terminals are interconnected by means of a connection cable. Each connector is provided with a switch which is actuated each time the connection cable is coupled to the connector of the terminal, whereby when the connection cable is coupled to the connector, the switch releases an impedance matching resistor connected between predetermined terminal pins of the connector. Impedance matching is improved and standing waves are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignees: Sony Corp., SMK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Akaba, Akihiko Sakuramoto
  • Patent number: 4855611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a change-over switch suitable for use in the case of connecting, e.g., a camera integrated type VTR to a television receiver. A first input terminal and an output terminal are closely arranged. The first input terminal, the output terminal, and switching means are connected by a parallel line consisting of first and second signal lines. The first input terminal and the output terminal are connected by the first switching operation. The second input terminal and the output terminal are connected by the second switching operation. Thus, the camera integrated type VTR, TV antenna, and TV receiver can be attached without complicatedly connecting the cables and without extending the cable from the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Isobe, Tsutomu Anzai
  • Patent number: 4829271
    Abstract: An antenna matrix switch bay includes a housing which is subdivided in a plurality of chambers defining a matrix configuration of coaxial transmitter switches and coaxial antenna switches provided with opposing fixed contacts in row direction and column direction. Each chamber of the housing contains one single switch whereby one transmitter switch and one antenna switch define a node and have a common switch drive shaft perpendicular to both planes. The switch drive includes a straight switch member in each plane and a double-cranked switch member insulated from the switch members and connecting the fixed contacts of one plane with those of the other plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Spinner GmbH, Elektrotechnische Fabrik
    Inventors: Franz-Xaver Pitschi, Georg Spinner
  • Patent number: 4795960
    Abstract: Programmable attenuators including DPDT relays or pairs of SPDT relays with terminals which are interconnected through conductors and attenuator sections disposed on opposite sides of grounded isolation elements, and so configured and supported by printed circuit boards or the like as to provide very high isolation while obtaining flat response characteristics up to very high frequencies, in the megahertz range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce Malcolm
  • Patent number: 4779066
    Abstract: In a multi-position microwave switch, a terminating impedance is associated with the center conductor of each port of the switch. When a port is selected, the resistor is pushed into the conductor by the blade completing the RF path to the selected position. When the position is not selected, the resistor is pushed out of the conductor until it contacts a grounded portion of the switch. An alternate embodiment of the invention employs a flexible terminating impedance secured to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Sage Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry F. Chapell
  • Patent number: 4749967
    Abstract: A low cost, vibration resistant high frequency switch includes a conductive housing having bores for receiving a center probe, first and second cantilevered side probes, a floating center contact and a dielectric control rod. The center probe includes an axial bore in one end which loosely receives a first end of the low mass, wire shaped axially extending center contact. Adjacent the opposite, second end of the center contact, free ends of the side probe are spaced in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the axial direction and extend from opposite directions into overlapping relationship with the floating center probe positioned therebetween. A solenoid controls the dielectric control rod which engages the center contact approximately midway along its length to selectively force the second end into engagement with the first or second side contact while maintaining engagement between the first end of the center contact and the center probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: F L Jennings Division of F L Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerzy Hoffman, George J. Maculewicz, Robert A. Sznuk
  • Patent number: 4749968
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coaxial jack having a make before break switch in a first conductive path between signal-in mechanism and first signal-out mechanism. The switch is functioned on insertion of a plug is second signal-out mechanism which forms a second conductive path between said signal-in mechanism and said second signal-out mechanism. The jack not only matches impedances with the coaxial cables, but does so by equalizing inductive and capacitive reactances and by maintaining an impedance match at each structural support between a conductor in the jack and the housing of the jack. The housing of the jack is modular thereby providing superior versatility with respect to various configurations and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Burroughs
  • Patent number: 4697056
    Abstract: A multiposition microwave switch with a cavity comprising a center and a plurality of spaced radial portions which are narrowed at one end contiguous with the center. For a given number of radial portions, or switch positions, the diameter of the center is thereby made smaller than that which could be achieved by the prior art, and thereby extending the frequency range of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Dynatech/U-Z, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4695811
    Abstract: A high frequency coaxial switch has a coaxial connector mounted on a housing to provide electrical access to a cavity within the housing, the cavity being small to suppress moding. The coaxial connector is electrically connected to a microstrip conductor on a hybrid circuit board within the cavity, and switching is accomplished by compensated contact striplines which electrically make or break contact with the microstrip conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz E. Grellmann, Leonard A. Roland
  • Patent number: 4691177
    Abstract: A waveguide switch operable at microwave frequencies is formed of two waveguides of rectangular cross section with a longer wall and a shorter wall, the two waveguides sharing a common shorter wall. Two coupling windows are disposed within the common wall for coupling electromagnetic energy between the two waveguides, each coupling window introducing a 90.degree. phase shift. Each window couples one-half the power of an electromagnetic wave from a first of the guides to a second of the guides. The common wall is parallel to the electric field of the coupled wave, with each wave being a TE wave. A 90.degree. phase shift is introduced by each coupling with the result that utilization of both windows produces a summation of the two waves in the second of the waveguides and a cancellation of the two waves in the first of the waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Mon N. Wong, Ann L. Peebles
  • Patent number: 4652840
    Abstract: An ultrahigh frequency switch is disclosed which features a desirable frequency characteristic, significantly short switching time, and small-size construction. Impedance conversion members serving as input and output terminals are connected between a waveguide and an opening and closing switch section. An elongate and flat movable center conductor in a strip-line configuration is driven from the outside to in turn open and close the impedance conversion members, thereby opening and closing the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuhei Kosugi
  • Patent number: 4618840
    Abstract: A switch (10) of the type comprising a rectangular arrangement of ports (21, 22, 23 and 24) includes a diagonally extending connector bar (35) disposed on one side of the rectangular arrangement opposite four laterally extending connector bars (31, 32, 33 and 34). The diagonally disposed connector bar is actuatable independently of the other bars. Electromagnetically driven rockers (79) or other means are provided to actuate the rods. In one realization of the switch, the ports are coaxial connectors for a microwave network. Each connector bar resides within a corresponding groove (51, 61) in a conductive housing and is independently actuatable. When actuated, a bar contacts the center conductors of two ports. The actuated bar cooperates with the walls of the containing groove to form an air-line microwave connection between the contacted ports. When the contained bar is unactuated, the groove becomes a waveguide-beyond-cutoff to isolate the respective ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Harold H. Yee, James F. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4595893
    Abstract: A microwave coaxial switch has a central conductor which comprises two fixed segments connected by a movable segment, controlled by a switch member. The resilient ends of the fixed segments come into engagement with the contacts of a quadripole such as an attenuator cell, when they are freed from the movable segment, this latter having come into engagement with the ground conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Adret Electronique
    Inventors: Roger Charbonnier, Joel Remy, Gerard Sauvage
  • Patent number: 4516091
    Abstract: A low RCS RF switch fabricated in microstrip utilizes bridge conductors carried on a second substrate to perform the coupling and uncoupling function. The second substrate is moveably affixed to the first substrate on which the primary RF transmission line is carried by means of a hinge spring. The switch is actuated by means by a pneumatic bladder coupled to a pneumatic control line. A three bit phase shifter utilizing such a switch is disclosed which is suitable for use in certain phased array antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill H. Sasser
  • Patent number: 4507627
    Abstract: A CATV system comprises two coaxial cables (11, 12) for transmitting information obtained from a center unit, a slide switch (1), and a CATV converter (30). As a slider (73) of the slide switch is slided in one direction with the same in contact with a common contact (101) connected to the CATV converter, the slider is placed in contact with a first fixed contact (104) connected to one coaxial cable while a first terminating contact (110) connected to a first terminating resistor (13) is separated from the first fixed contact. When the slider is slided in the other direction, the slider is placed in contact with a second fixed contact (107) connected to the other coaxial cable, while a second terminating contact (111) connected to the second terminating resistor (14) is separated from the second fixed contact. Accordingly, each of the coaxial cables is not opened through selection of the slide switch, whereby mixing of an image is prevented from occurring due to mismatching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuo Ito, Bunjiro Murata, Kazunori Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 4502026
    Abstract: A signal distribution apparatus for selectively coupling each of a plurality of inputs to one or both of two outputs substantially without interference between the inputs or the outputs. The signal distributing apparatus comprises a plurality of input terminals and balanced couplers, such as balun coils, for providing a balanced line from each input terminal. A switching network is coupled intermediate the balanced couplers and the two outputs for selectively and individually coupling each balanced line to one or both of the outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: General Research of Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Imazeki, Hisashi Wani
  • Patent number: 4496919
    Abstract: A relay for switching of ultra high frequency circuits has three spaced-apart coaxial type contacts including a central or common contact. Two contact blades are disposed in opposed relation to the coaxial contact for alternate movement from a first position in which one rigid contact engages the central coaxial contact and one side contact while the other rigid contact is grounded, and a second position in which the other rigid contact engages the central contact and another coaxial contact and the first rigid contact is grounded. Pusher elements connected to the respective rigid contacts are connected to opposite sides of a leaf spring supported at its center. A pivotal armature alternately presses on one end or the other of a leaf spring to drive one rigid contact against its two coaxial contacts and to permit the other end of the leaf spring to pull the other rigid contact into engagement with the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Micronde
    Inventors: Andre Fournier, Gilles Billet
  • Patent number: 4441089
    Abstract: The new change-over switch having a connecting element which is articulated to an inner conductor and which connects the connecting element selectively to one of two other conductors. The contacts between the connecting element and the one or the other inner conductors are designed as tulip-shaped contacts, thus permitting a hitherto unobtainable small loss factor and low reflection. During connecting-over, the switching element is pulled in the axial direction out of one tulip-shaped contact, pivoted and pushed into the other tulip-shaped contact. For this movement, the connecting element is designed as two-part telescopic tube. A crank is preferably used for pushing together, pivoting and re-extending the telescopic tube, as is necessary for switching-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited
    Inventor: Gianni Olgiati
  • Patent number: 4427867
    Abstract: A microwave oven having an upper waveguide and a bottom waveguide is provided with an adjustable microwave energy deflector. The deflector is adjustable for varying the microwave energy selectively in any power ratio between the upper and lower waveguides so as to obtain a uniform distribution of energy through food masses of different sizes or temperature characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Raymond L. Dills
  • Patent number: 4349799
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for selecting between multiple radio frequency circuits such as low pass filters. Each of the circuits is mounted on a printed circuit board, with first and second terminals printed on the board. Each of the terminals has a raised electrical contact on it. Associated with the first terminals of the circuits is a first printed strip transmission line with raised contacts spaced along it, each contact near a corresponding contact on one of the first terminals of the circuits. A second printed transmission line is similarly arranged. External connection to the apparatus is made at one end of each of the transmission lines. To select one of the circuits, the first and second terminals of the circuit are connected to the corresponding transmission lines, by a switch which moves a resilient conducting member against the pairs of raised contacts of the transmission lines and the circuit terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Roderick K. Blocksome, Sherman J. Hornbeck, Donald R. Fee
  • Patent number: 4330766
    Abstract: An electromechanical T-switch is achieved by connecting a bistable reed switch between each of the four ports of the T-switch to form a coaxial transmission line between ports. Each electromechanical reed switch is realized by a pair of contacts constituting the input and output ports of the switch, a reed conductor bridging the gap between the two contacts, a first permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor against the contacts, a second permanent magnet for holding the reed conductor away from the contacts, and electromagnetic coils around each of the first and second permanent magnets for changing the state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Communications Satellite Corporation
    Inventor: Chester J. Pentlicki
  • Patent number: 4298847
    Abstract: A multiposition microwave switch with a cavity comprising a center and a plurality of radial portions with acutely extended legs. The central coaxial connector selectively communicates with one of a plurality of peripheral connectors, the others being terminated by impedance matching resistors housed in the legs and isolated and shielded from the central connector. The cavity is housed beneath a plurality of pivotal rockers responsive to magnetic actuating means. First and second conductive reeds are spring loaded in the radial portions and legs, respectively, of the cavity and are mechanically responsive to the rockers such that when a first reed is conducting between central and peripheral connectors, its complimentary second reed is shorted to the housing. When the first reed is shorted to the housing, its complimentary second reed terminates the peripheral connector by conducting between it and the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Dynatech - UZ, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerzy Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4198611
    Abstract: A redundancy system for use in a communications satellite. Eight traveling wave tube amplifiers are provided for five communications channels in a manner such that full service is maintained even though any three of the amplifiers have failed. A ten-switch network connects the five channels to the inputs of the eight TWT amplifiers, and a mirror-image ten-switch network connects the outputs of the eight TWT amplifiers to the five channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventor: Kai Yin Eng
  • Patent number: 4167714
    Abstract: A network apparatus whereby a high frequency transmission line may be switched and distributed to any one of a selected number of outputs without disturbing the characteristic impedance or continuity of the transmission line. Transmission strip lines on a printed circuit board connect each of the two outputs of a single pole double-throw reed relay to the single input of a subsequent double-throw relay. The relay switches and the transmission strip lines are parallel to an embedded ground plane within the printed circuit board. Each realy switch is surrounded by an electromagnetic shield which is connected at both its input end and its output end to the ground plane in the most direct fashion. Actuating means are provided proximate to each relay switch for activation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Assignee: Burroughs Corporation
    Inventor: Laurence P. Flora