Movable Patents (Class 333/256)
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Patent number: 11689344Abstract: Radio Frequency (RF) systems configured to implement full-duplex wireless data transfer for rotary joints are disclosed. An example RF system includes a 60 GHz short distance communication link implemented using elliptically (e.g., circularly) polarized antennas. Such a system may provide a mm-wave, high-speed, wideband wireless communication link in a manner that is associated with simpler design and operation, mechanical integrity, and reduced power consumption, compared to alternative solutions.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANYInventors: Mohamed Alaaeldin Moharram Hassan, Po-Hao David A. Yeh, Mark A. D'Amato, Anton Patyuchenko, John N. Poelker, Christopher P. O'Neill, Omar El Sayed Wadah
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Patent number: 11688917Abstract: A vehicle having a communication system is disclosed. The system includes two electrical couplings, coupled by way of a rotary joint having a bearing waveguide. Each electrical coupling includes an interface waveguide configured to couple to external signals. Each electrical coupling also includes a waveguide section configured to propagate electromagnetic signals between the interface waveguide and the bearing waveguide of the rotary joint. Additionally, the rotary joint is configured to allow one electrical coupling to rotate with respect to the other electrical coupling. An axis of rotation of the rotary joint is defined by a center of a portion of the waveguides. Yet further, the rotary joint allows electromagnetic energy to propagate between the waveguides of the electrical couplings.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Zhe Li, Jamal Izadian, Pierre-yves Droz, Min Wang, Samuel Lenius, Paul Karplus, Kyla Purvis
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Patent number: 11245164Abstract: An invention comprises: a circular waveguide that has a cylindrical section having a circular pipe conduit with a circular shaped cross section, and side wall sections joined to the both sides in an axial direction of the cylindrical section; a first rectangular waveguide that has a first rectangular pipe conduit with a rectangular shaped cross section and that is joined to one of the side wall sections so that the first rectangular pipe conduit communicates with the circular pipe conduit; a second rectangular waveguide that has a second rectangular pipe conduit with a rectangular shaped cross section and that is joined to the other of the side wall sections so that the second rectangular pipe conduit communicates with the circular pipe conduit; and a dielectric plate that is configured as a plate shape, is disposed in the circular pipe conduit, and is airtightly held to the cylindrical section, wherein the circular waveguide has a plastically deformable section that is plastically deformable so that at leastType: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: NEC Network and Sensor Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Akihiko Kasahara, Takashi Nakano
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Patent number: 11158923Abstract: A microwave connector assembly comprises a waveguide ferrule having a receiving end receiving a dielectric waveguide, a connecting end distal to the receiving end, and a locking member, and a ferrule socket at least partially receiving the waveguide ferrule in a ferrule receptacle. The ferrule socket engages in a locking connection with the locking member. The ferrule socket has a coding member engaging a complementary coding member of the waveguide ferrule only when the waveguide ferrule is positioned relative to the ferrule socket in a single predetermined angular position or in one of two predetermined angular positions that are rotated by 180° with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: TE Connectivity Germany GmbHInventors: Christian Rusch, Carlos Almeida, Günther Mumper, Stefan Glaser, Rolf Jetter, Jörg Bieber, Martin Seifert, Wolfgang Müller, Andreas Engel, Nhu Lam Nguyen
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Patent number: 11152675Abstract: A vehicle having a communication system is disclosed. The system includes two electrical couplings, coupled by way of a rotary joint having a bearing waveguide. Each electrical coupling includes an interface waveguide configured to couple to external signals. Each electrical coupling also includes a waveguide section configured to propagate electromagnetic signals between the interface waveguide and the bearing waveguide of the rotary joint. Additionally, the rotary joint is configured to allow one electrical coupling to rotate with respect to the other electrical coupling. An axis of rotation of the rotary joint is defined by a center of a portion of the waveguides. Yet further, the rotary joint allows electromagnetic energy to propagate between the waveguides of the electrical couplings.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Zhe Li, Jamal Izadian, Pierre-yves Droz, Min Wang, Samuel Lenius, Paul Karplus, Kyla Purvis
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Patent number: 10656341Abstract: A suspension arm assembly including at least two members relatively rotatable about each other at a joint, with at least one of the joints comprising an infinite rotation joint. The infinite rotation joint allows the members at the infinite rotation joint to have unlimited rotation relative to one another. The infinite rotation joint is configured to pass at least an optical signal therethrough. The infinite rotation joint includes a stator and a rotor. At least two portions of the infinite rotation joint are separable and can automatically form a unit when adjacent arms are connected together such that the infinite rotation joint can be separated into the at least two portions. The at least two portions are configured to be automatically connected to allow the optical signal to pass therethrough once the at least two portions are engaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Gianni Boccoleri, David Chase, Udo Tockweiler, Frank Reiser
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Patent number: 10290913Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency wave feeding system capable of feeding microwaves with little loss and without addition of resistive noise, using a simple deployment mechanism. The system includes a first waveguide fixed to a first structure of a deployment structure and having a choke flange, and a second waveguide fixed to a second structure of the deployment structure and having a cover flange. When the deployment structure is in a deployed state, the choke flange and the cover flange face each other so that high-frequency waves are fed to the deployment structure via the first and second waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCYInventors: Hirobumi Saito, Atsushi Tomiki
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Patent number: 10133006Abstract: A system of soft contacting rotational interfaces with long service life, maintenance free, and high reliability, comprises a RF rotary joint and a single channel fiber optic rotary coupler and more particularly, a system having a plurality of conductive fiber brush bundles, a fiber optical wire and a coaxial conductor for transferring RF and optical signal(s) concurrently between relatively rotatable objects.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Princetel Inc.Inventors: Hong Zhang, Boying B. Zhang, Joe Ritacco, Jingrong Shen
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Patent number: 10103417Abstract: Waveguide hinges are provided that allow for a substantially continuous RF waveguide to be formed through the hinge when the hinge elements are in a particular relative rotational configuration with respect to one another; the substantially continuous RF waveguide is not formed when the hinge elements are in various other relative rotational configurations. Such waveguide hinges allow for waveguide elements to be repositioned during periods when RF energy is not being transmitted.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventor: Evan I. Gomberg
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Patent number: 9276302Abstract: A waveguide rotary joint includes a first waveguide portion for receiving a microwave signal, a second waveguide portion for outputting the received microwave signal, and a conductive pin including a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first end arranged in and RF coupled to the first waveguide, and the second end arranged in and RF coupled to the second waveguide, and a choke cavity is arranged between the first waveguide portion and the second waveguide portion. The first waveguide and the second waveguide are rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the conductive pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: ThinKom Solutions, Inc.Inventors: William Henderson, James Sor, William Milroy, Jonathan Sala
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Patent number: 9213144Abstract: Optical and RF energy may be provided simultaneously or otherwise across a rotary coupler using separate communication paths. The rotary coupler may be provided with an optical transmission line that passes inside or through the center of an inner conductor of a coaxial RF transmission line that itself extends across the rotational interface/s of the rotary coupler. Both the optical transmission line and the RF transmission line may be positioned at, or close to, the axis of rotation of the rotary coupler. The rotary coupler may be configured to transfer optical and RF energy across rotational interface/s of the rotary coupler using an optical rotary joint positioned inside the inner conductor of a RF channel transmission line that itself is substantially centered at, and in line with, the rotational axis of the rotary coupler.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: L-3 Communications CorporationInventors: Thomas Webster Jones, James Edward Baloun
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Patent number: 9030275Abstract: An electrical signal filter defined by a block of dielectric material with a top surface, a bottom surface, side surfaces, and through-holes extending between the top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, first and second walls protrude outwardly from the top surface and extend the length of first and second opposed longitudinally extending side surfaces. A surface-layer pattern of metallized and unmetallized areas is defined on selected surfaces of the block including an area of metallization that covers the top surface. In one embodiment, first and second surface-layer input/output electrodes are defined by first and second respective isolated strips of conductive material that extend from the top surface of the block and onto the first and second walls respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: CTS CorporationInventor: Jeffrey J. Nummerdor
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Patent number: 8963790Abstract: A universal joint comprising a pair of circular waveguide ball-joints and a slip-joint allows for simultaneous 3-axis rotation and 3-dimensional translation between an antenna and a stationary source. As such, the universal joint does not have to be physically aligned with the azimuth, and elevation, rotation axis of the antenna and mounted on the gimbal support, greatly simplifying the antenna steering mechanism. The universal joint allows the antenna to be mass-balanced in relation to the azimuth and elevation axis without adding any additional counter weights, thus reducing the size and power requirements of the azimuth and elevation rotation drive systems. Additional ball-joints may be provided to increase the allowed range of motion of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Kenneth W. Brown
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Publication number: 20140285294Abstract: A rotatable coupler for dielectric wave guides is described. A first dielectric wave guide (DWG) has an interface surface at a one end of the DWG. A second DWG has a matching interface surface at an end of the second DWG. A rotatable coupling mechanism is coupled to the two DWG ends and is configured to hold the interface surface of the first DWG in axial alignment with the interface surface of the second DWG while allowing the interface surface of the first DWG to rotate axially with respect to the interface surface of the second DWG.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Baher Haroun, Juan Alejandro Herbsommer
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Patent number: 8786385Abstract: One embodiment of an axial rotary joint having rotary transmission lines for the bi-directional propagation of radio frequency electromagnetic waves and light waves across a rotary interface. Each section is capable of fully independent rotation about a common longitudinal axis. The radio frequency rotary transmission line comprises waveguide tubing at each end that transitions to a coax transmission line at the rotary interface. The waveguide tubing also functions as the axial support structure. The second transmission line for light wave propagation is fully integrated into the waveguide-to-coax transition and the inner coaxial conductor, and uses optical coupling devices to form an optical coupling path across the rotary interface. This embodiment of the rotary joint can be sealed and pressurized to minimize contamination of the optics and to increase the electromagnetic wave power handling.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Curtis D Lorenc
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Patent number: 8749324Abstract: The present disclosure provides a signal transmission apparatus for transmitting a signal to a signal processing section provided inside a rotated rotary body, the signal transmission apparatus including: a waveguide tube provided on the rotating shaft of the rotary body; a signal transmitting section provided outside the rotary body to serve as a section for transmitting the signal through the waveguide tube; a signal receiving section provided inside the rotary body to serve as a section for receiving the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting section through the waveguide tube and supplying the signal to the signal processing section; a slip ring rotated along with the rotary body around the waveguide tube serving as a rotation axis; and a power supplying section provided outside the rotary body to serve as a section for supplying power to the signal processing section through the slip ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hisao Sakurai, Katsuhisa Ito, Izushi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20140049435Abstract: A universal joint comprising a pair of circular waveguide ball-joints and a slip-joint allows for simultaneous 3-axis rotation and 3-dimensional translation between an antenna and a stationary source. As such, the universal joint does not have to be physically aligned with the azimuth, and elevation, rotation axis of the antenna and mounted on the gimbal support, greatly simplifying the antenna steering mechanism. The universal joint allows the antenna to be mass-balanced in relation to the azimuth and elevation axis without adding any additional counter weights, thus reducing the size and power requirements of the azimuth and elevation rotation drive systems. Additional ball-joints may be provided to increase the allowed range of motion of the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Kenneth W. Brown
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Publication number: 20130257563Abstract: A multi-channel mode converter operating with a series of TE or TM mode electromagnetic wave includes a plurality of coaxial waveguides arranged in overlay configuration. By controlling radius ratio and the number of coupling aperture of each coaxial waveguide, high power and high purity of operating mode of electromagnetic wave can be obtained and the major parasitic mode of electromagnetic wave can be suppressed, so as to avoid crosstalk between coaxial waveguides. A rotary joint including the above-mentioned mode converter with multi-channel is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITYInventors: TSUN-HSU CHANG, NAI-CHING CHEN
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Publication number: 20130207748Abstract: A power dual-band rotary joint simultaneously operating on two frequency bands. A and is made up of a couple of transducers, each between two rectangular waveguides, respectively operating, on bands A and B, and a nested coaxial waveguide. The nested coaxial waveguide is made up of two concentric cylindric waveguides. The transducers are conceived in such a way that only modes with azimuthal symmetry are excited. The nested coaxial waveguide dimensions are chosen so that, on band B, the TM01 mode can propagate in the circular waveguide delimited by the internal surface of the smaller cylinder. The external surface of the smaller cylinder is the internal conductor of the coaxial working on band A, while the internal surface of the bigger cylinder is the external conductor of the same coaxial. The two transducers are connected through the nested waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: G.E.M. Electronica S.r.lInventors: Antonio Morini, Vincenzo Malaspina, Paolo Panichi
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Patent number: 8508320Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a translating telemetry stationary antenna. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for automatically aligning a stationary antenna with a corresponding rotor antenna. The method provides for mounting a stationary antenna with respect to a rotor antenna associated with a rotor. The method includes mounting a stationary antenna to an inner circumference of a support frame, mounting a plurality of radial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining radial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna, and mounting a plurality of axial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining axial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Derek Ray Wilson, R. David Jones, Donald Shaw, Raymond Lavigne
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Publication number: 20130181791Abstract: A contactless connector includes a first communication chip configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless RF signals, a second communication chip configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless RF signals, and a waveguide structure between the first and second communication chips. The waveguide structure conveys RF signals between the first and second communication chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Sean Patrick McCarthy, Steven Alan Jarrett, Bruce Foster Bishop, Robert Daniel Hilty
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Patent number: 8384605Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Alan Matthew Finn, Joseph Zacchio, Michael G. O'Callaghan, Jimmy Lih-Min Yeh
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Publication number: 20120235882Abstract: A dual mode rotary joint as described herein can be utilized in an electromagnetic communication system such as a radar system. The dual mode rotary joint can be used to rotatably couple an antenna architecture to its mounting structure. One embodiment of the dual mode joint includes a waveguide configured to propagate radio frequency (RF) signals, and endcaps coupled to the ends of the waveguide. Each endcap is reflective for RF signals and transmissive for optical signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Derek E. Iverson, Jonathan M. Saint Clair
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Publication number: 20120092093Abstract: The present disclosure provides a signal transmission apparatus for transmitting a signal to a signal processing section provided inside a rotated rotary body, the signal transmission apparatus including: a waveguide tube provided on the rotating shaft of the rotary body; a signal transmitting section provided outside the rotary body to serve as a section for transmitting the signal through the waveguide tube; a signal receiving section provided inside the rotary body to serve as a section for receiving the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting section through the waveguide tube and supplying the signal to the signal processing section; a slip ring rotated along with the rotary body around the waveguide tube serving as a rotation axis; and a power supplying section provided outside the rotary body to serve as a section for supplying power to the signal processing section through the slip ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hisao Sakurai, Katsuhisa Ito, Izushi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7764150Abstract: A waveguide quick disconnect clamp includes a first arm and a second arm, both arms having a first end, a second end, and a jaw pivotally connected to the second end. Each of the first and second arm jaws has a generally flat engaging face defining two generally parallel elongated sections and a waveguide receiving recess therebetween. The second arm second end is pivotally connected to the first arm at a position intermediate the first arm first and second ends, and a threaded nut is pivotally connected to the first arm first end. The waveguide quick disconnect clamp also has an adjustment screw having a first end, a second end, and a threaded portion therebetween. The adjustment screw first end pivotally engages the second arm at a point intermediate the second arm first and second ends, and the threaded portion of the screw engages the threaded nut.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Collins Satellite Communications Systems, Inc.Inventor: James L. Dale
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Publication number: 20100123529Abstract: A microwave rotary joint comprises a mode converter for converting microwave signals of a TE01 circular symmetric mode, and the mode converter comprises: two circular waveguides, one end of each of the waveguides has a circular input/output port; and two power dividing structures, each of the power dividing structure has an input/output port and four connecting ports, the four connecting ports are separated and surround each of the circular waveguides and connected to the inside of each of the circular waveguides, the two circular waveguides are integrated as one member through rotating a bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan)Inventors: Tsun-Hsu CHANG, Bo-Ren YU
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Patent number: 7436275Abstract: A waveguide quick disconnect clamp includes a first arm and a second arm, both arms having a first end, a second end, and a jaw pivotally connected to the second end. Each of the first and second arm jaws has a generally flat engaging face defining two generally parallel elongated sections and a waveguide receiving recess therebetween. The second arm second end is pivotally connected to the first arm at a position intermediate the first arm first and second ends, and a threaded nut is pivotally connected to the first arm first end. The waveguide quick disconnect clamp also has an adjustment screw having a first end, a second end, and a threaded portion therebetween. The adjustment screw first end pivotally engages the second arm at a point intermediate the second arm first and second ends, and the threaded portion of the screw engages the threaded nut.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: DataPath, Inc.Inventor: James L. Dale
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Patent number: 6995638Abstract: A flexible connection extending between two objects which have relative motion is subject to deleterious electrical performance or damage due to fatigue or resonance. The connection is structurally augmented and therefore stiffened without affecting the range of motion by use of one of a pantograph or a bell-crank-and-carriage stiffener arrangement. The structural augmentation connects to the ends of the connection and also to locations along the length, to force portions of the connection to accept motion proportional to their distance between the moving ends.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Bradley M. Smith, Mark C. Newkirk
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Patent number: 6985057Abstract: A turn-lock waveguide transition assembly mountable to, for example, the feed assembly of an antenna. The transition assembly having a clamping groove which engages, for example, the heads of a plurality of clamping screws upon seating of the transition assembly onto a spigot of the feed assembly. The clamping screw heads enter the clamping groove via cut-outs along the sides of the transition assembly and engage the clamping groove upon rotation of the transition assembly. Alignment indicia on the transition assembly and the, for example, antenna base aid quick alignment of the transition assembly to a desired alignment, for example to a selected polarization if an aperture is added to a bore of the transition assembly. Because of the engagement between the clamping groove and the clamping screw heads, the polarization may be changed 90 degrees without removing the transition assembly from the spigot.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Andrew CorporationInventor: John Lesutis
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Patent number: 6870448Abstract: A movable support for a coaxial structure, such as a coaxial feed-through, connector, or cable, allows adjusting the height of a center pin of the coaxial structure relative to the surface of a high-frequency planar microcircuit mounted on a base. The height of the center pin is optimized to provide a high-frequency transition between the coaxial transmission structure and a planar transmission structure, such as a stripline structure, on the planar microcircuit. An interference fit between the movable support and base at the operating height provides a high-quality ground contact underneath the center pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Whitener, Michael T. Powers, Matthew R. Richter, Donald J. Taylor
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Patent number: 6850128Abstract: An orthogonal electrical coupling relies on electromagnetic coupling for the inner connection, as opposed to direct contact between conductors. A conductor on one of the lines is connected to a ground plane which is adjacent to a resonant slot. Microwave energy is coupled to the slot, thereby exciting the slot. A second conductor is on the opposite side of the ground plane from the first conductor. Microwave energy from the excited resonant slot passes to the second conductor, thereby allowing contactless interconnection between the first conductor and the second conductor. The coupling may emphasize certain modes of propagation relative to other possible modes of propagation. Specifically, the ground plane and slot may be enclosed in a cavity of a size such that the cavity does not support any natural mode propagation inside the cavity. Instead, the coupling may have a cavity in which a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) mode is propagated.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Pyong K. Park
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Publication number: 20040263291Abstract: A method of coupling together first and second waveguide connectors. The method including the steps of a) moving the connectors together to a first axial position in which part of the first connector engages a first axial stop on the second connector; b) causing relative movement between the first connector and the first axial stop; and c) moving the interface assemblies together axially after step b) to a second axial position in which part of the first connector engages a second axial stop on the second connector. Each waveguide connector includes a waveguide aperture; and one or more screw assemblies including a screw and captive nut. The waveguide connectors include a plug and socket connection with an elliptical profile. One of the connectors has a curved slot with two or more counterbores formed around the slot, and a securing member received in a first one of the counterbores.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: Stratex Networks, Inc.Inventors: Bruce David Corkill, Eric Resurreccion Tiongson, Louis Arthur Salinas
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Patent number: 6501351Abstract: The installation comprises a part (1) rotating about a fixed part (2) and provided with measurement instruments (3) with antennas (5) aimed radially towards a fixed antenna (6). This antenna comprises two pairs of arms (9, 10, 14, 15) in two concentric circles, and the spaces (13, 18) between the free ends of the pairs of arms are located at different angular positions so that signals emitted by the antennas (5) always arrive at one of the pairs of arms and supply a clear and distinct signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Hispano SuizaInventor: Philippe Jacques René Gasnier
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Patent number: 6380822Abstract: A satellite signal routing system includes a satellite using one or more waveguide switches for routing M-inputs to M of N-outputs. A waveguide switch includes a first waveguide, used as a stationary input coupled to a rotary joint. A joint rotation device, such as a motor, rotates the rotary joint. A rotary waveguide is attached to the rotary joint and also rotates. Two or more second waveguides, used as stationary outputs, are coupled to the rotary waveguide through a non-contacting waveguide. A controller controls the joint rotation device to rotate the rotary joint to align the rotary waveguide with one of the second waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventor: Gary M. Lindgren
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Publication number: 20010045877Abstract: A compression journal for transfer of microwave signals across a rotating interface of a rotary joint comprises a silver impregnated graphite split ring stator which surrounds and is in contact with a coin silver sleeve of a shaft rotor when a rotor assembly is positioned within a stator assembly. At least one O-ring is placed over the outside of the split ring stator to allow slight compression of the silver/graphite split ring stator to maintain continuous electrical contact between the stator and the rotor. A beryllium-copper radial shield is secured to the end of the compression journal securing it within a cavity of the stator assembly. The compression journal floats within the stator assembly to allow rotor/stator concentricities to adjust and seat properly for long term performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Applicant: Diamond Antenna and Microwave CorporationInventors: Paul S. Christian, Chad S. Klotzle
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Patent number: 6133887Abstract: An antenna device and a transmitting and receiving unit using the device which are capable of simultaneously polarizing each direction of a plurality of beams are provided without increasing the size of the whole device. For example, when the detection is achieved by forming a plurality of beams such as a radar of monopulse type, the angle measurement range is easily extended. A movable part is provided with a plurality of primary radiators and movable part side transmission lines (dielectric strips of NRD guide) to be coupled therewith, and a fixed part side is provided with dielectric lenses to form each focal plane at the position of primary radiators, and fixed part side transmission lines (dielectric strips of NRD guide) to be respectively coupled with the movable part side transmission lines. A plurality of beams are simultaneously tilted by displacing the movable part.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Tanizaki, Yoshinori Taguchi
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Patent number: 6005453Abstract: A method of tuning a summing network of a base station and a band-pass filter provided in such base station. Tuning is performed by arranging a moveable part made of a low-loss dielectric material or ferrimagnetic material in a space between an inner conductor and a tubular conductor in a coaxial cable, the width of the cross-section of the moveable part being different from its length, and tuning the summing network by adjusting the phase angle reflecting from the connector by turning the moveable part about an axle which intersects the cross-section substantially perpendicularly, whereby the distance between the moveable part and the inner conductor and/or between the moveable part and the outer conductor changes.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Nokia Telecommunications OyInventors: Veli-Matti Sarkka, Timo Ahonpaa
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Patent number: 5892411Abstract: A data transmission device has a first module and a second module moveable relative to one another. One of the modules functions as a sending module and the other functions as a receiving module for transmitting data between first and second modules. One of the modules is an electrical line with a defined surge impedance and the other module is a coupling probe for coupling contact-free with the electrical line. A first sending and receiving electronic circuit is connected to the first module. A second sending and receiving electronic circuit is connected to the second module.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Ulrich SchwanInventors: Ulrich Schwan, Andreas Nagel
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Patent number: 5877660Abstract: Input is applied to a two-partition circuit that substantially equally distributes input power into two partitions having a phase difference of 90.degree., and the thus-distributed output is applied to a first driver that generates circularly polarized wave. The two outputs of the second driver, in which the circularly polarized waves generated from the first driver are coupled, are combined in a combining circuit. The end portion of the opening of the sealed case incorporating the first driver fits together with the end portion of the opening of the sealed case incorporating the second driver such that the two sealed cases together with the first and second drivers may rotate relative to each other around their cylindrical axis. The phase difference between the input of the two-partition circuit and the output of the combining circuit changes according to the relative angle of rotation around the cylindrical axis between first and second drivers.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignees: Nihon Dengyo Kosaku Co., Ltd., NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.Inventors: Yoshio Ebine, Masahiro Karikomi, Tohru Matsuoka
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Patent number: 5434548Abstract: A coaxial-waveguide assemblage is disclosed herein of the invention includes a first coaxial transmission line having a first inner and a first outer conductor. The inventive assemblage further includes a waveguide electromagnetically coupled to the first coaxial transmission line, where an inner surface of the waveguide bounds a signal propagation space. The waveguide is also electromagnetically coupled to a second coaxial transmission having a second inner and a second outer conductor. The inner conductor of the second coaxial transmission line is disposed to rotate about a first vertical axis, thereby enabling the second coaxial transmission line to be connected to a rotating antenna. In a particular implementation the coaxial-waveguide assemblage is disposed within a rotary joint operative to couple electromagnetic energy between first and second signal ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Qualcomm IncorporatedInventors: James H. Thompson, Randolph E. Standke, Thomas R. Pierce
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Patent number: 5245301Abstract: This microwave link connects a fixed set of electronic equipment to a mobile set of electronic equipment that can be shifted between two extreme positions, at least one of which is an operating position. The link is, for example, one between a radar transceiver and a radar antenna that can be retracted into a silo. It is constituted by a sequence of rigid rectangular waveguide elements hinged at their ends by means of hinges comprising at least one rotating connector formed by two rectangular-window flanges, fitted together and rotational movable with respect to each other. This rotational connector has two operational positions at 180.degree. with respect to each other where it can transmit microwave power and where the rectangular windows of its flanges coincide, and it assumes one of these operational positions when the movable electronic equipment is in the operating position.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Thomson-CSFInventors: Laurent Portrait, Pierre Blanchard, Joel Soquet
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Patent number: 5140289Abstract: This combined microwave and optic rotary joint has a fixed part and a rotating part in rotation about an axis .DELTA. in relation to the fixed part. It has at least one pair of microwave guide inputs, one of which is positioned in the fixed part while the other is positioned in the rotating part, these microwave guide inputs being coupled to each other by a coaxial link that is fixedly joined to the rotating part and placed in a conduit going through the fixed and rotating parts along the rotation axis .DELTA.. The core of the coaxial link is drilled with a longitudinal channel enabling the passage of an optic fiber fixedly joined to the rotating part. The end of this optic fiber goes through the fixed part and emerges in a case where it is coupled through an optic rotation plane to the end of another optic fiber fixedly joined to the fixed part.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1991Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Thomson-CSFInventors: Francois Andrieu, Andre Jacquemet, Philippe Gerard
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Patent number: 4896005Abstract: An appliance for the continuous treatment of foodstuffs or the like by means of microwaves in a treatment chamber, which allows individual adaptation to different product-pack heights and geometrical product forms, while at the same time ensuring the best possible utilization of the microwave energy supplied. The arrangement of an adjusting device outside the treatment chamber for axially adjusting the microwave feed ducts along their longitudinal axes and for rotating of the feed ducts about their longitudinal axes ensure that the product to be treated is subjected to the microwave energy as efficiently as possible, without the treatment process having to be interrupted by stopping it and opening the treatment chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1989Date of Patent: January 23, 1990Assignee: Hermann Berstorff Maschinenbau GmbHInventor: Rolf Skubich
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Patent number: 4757281Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary microwave joint device comprising a main circular waveguide constituted by two portions (10, 11) situated as extensions to each other and rotatable relative to one another about their axis of symmetry, each of said two portions (10, 11) being provided with at least one access which is orthogonal thereto, and mechanical means enabling a circularly polarized wave to be obtained in the main waveguide. The invention is applicable to space telecommunications.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1987Date of Patent: July 12, 1988Assignee: Alcatel EspaceInventors: Jean-Claude Anne, Philippe Gourlain, Regis Lenormand, Gerard Raguenet
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Patent number: 4717898Abstract: In a waveguide structure, there is provided a waveguide section rotatable about its longitudinal axis and an electric DC stepper motor arrangement. The rotor of such an arrangement is constituted by magnetic returns fixedly mounted on the waveguide section, and has a rotation axis which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the section. The rotor is therefore rotatable with the waveguide section about the longitudinal axis of the same. The motor arrangement further includes a stator provided with a plurality of poles which cooperate with the magnetic returns to rotate the waveguide section so as to adjust as desired its angular position. When the waveguide section has a circular cross section and is provided with two diametrically opposed lines of tuning screws, the waveguide structure forms a microwave polarizer which can be used in a variable power combiner.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1986Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: MITEC Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Guido Cappelli
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Patent number: 4677400Abstract: A variable line extender for wave guide comprising an elongated electrically conductive housing member and an electrically conductive slide member, the slide member having a convex shaped rounded end and a U-shaped recess extending transversely continuously from one end of the slide longitudinally along one side thereof, around the rounded end, and then along the other side back to the first end, with said housing having a pair of wave guide shaped ports in register with the U-shaped recess of the slide member. Means are provided for adjusting the relative longitudinal position of the slide with respect to the housing so as to vary the length of the path between the ports.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1985Date of Patent: June 30, 1987Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Robert K. Griffith, T. Norman Hardy, Edley V. McKnight, Vladimir K. Vavra
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Patent number: 4654613Abstract: A radar rotary joint usable at all frequencies, but particularly useful at millimeter wavelengths includes an inner housing, an outer housing, bearings for rotatably interconnecting the inner and outer housing, and irises for converting the mode of incoming and exiting electromagnetic energy. The inner housing has a TE.sub.11 mode circular waveguide, a TM.sub.01 mode circular waveguide and a right angle transition for converting the TE.sub.11 mode to TM.sub.01 mode and an outer surface forming a bearing support, an outer bearing housing for enclosing the bearings and bearing retainers for retaining the bearings between the outer bearing housing and the bearing supporting surface of the inner housing. The outer housing is attached to the outer bearing housing and includes a TM.sub.01 mode circular waveguide, a TE.sub.11 mode circular waveguide and a right angle transition for converting the TM.sub.01 mode to the TE.sub.11 mode. An inline junction input iris attached between a TE.sub.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1985Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Clifford W. Fischer
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Patent number: 4647884Abstract: An articulated linkage is disclosed for supporting waveguide and electrical cabling through a predetermined range of movement. The linkage comprises a plurality of elongated rigid sections, joined by articulated joint sections. The joints comprise at least two short links which are pivotably connected to each other and the adjacent rigid sections. Travel limit pins are provided to limit the pivoting motion of the joint links relative to each other and the rigid sections. The lines of waveguide comprise respective sections of flexible waveguide passing through the flexible joints of the linkage and are connected to elongated sections of rigid waveguide which are supported by the rigid sections of the linkage. The travel limits on joint movement are selected to limit the angular excursions to protect the flexible waveguide from undue stresses during movement of the linkage.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1985Date of Patent: March 3, 1987Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Arthur D. Lang, James R. Moorehouse, Edwin L. O'Brien
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Patent number: 4543549Abstract: A modular matrixed cylindrical rotary joint for transferring channeled electromagnetic energy from the stationary part of a radar system to its rotatable portion and an inner modular stator which supports the outer portion on redundant bearing modules.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1984Date of Patent: September 24, 1985Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Leonard A. Meltzer, Seymour Sutkin
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Patent number: 4538125Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting microwaves between two bodies which are rotatable relative to each other. Two annular waveguides are arranged on a common axis. Each waveguide has a coupling slot along its circumference. A transmitting aerial projects into each coupling slot and is moveable relative to the associated waveguide. The electromagnetic waves generated by the transmitting aerials are received by receiving aerials at the ends of the waveguides, respectively. The outputs of the receiving aerials are prepared for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1983Date of Patent: August 27, 1985Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Friedrich K. Beckmann, Wolfgang Hoppe, Wolfgang Meyer