Rotary Coupling Patents (Class 333/261)
  • Patent number: 11962053
    Abstract: A contactless datalink for transmission of data between a rotatable part and a stationary part, including a dielectric waveguide split into two sections. A first dielectric waveguide section is at the rotatable part and a second dielectric waveguide section is at the stationary part. The first dielectric waveguide section is coupled to a transmitter and the second dielectric waveguide section is coupled to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLEIFRING GMBH
    Inventors: Nils Krumme, Holger Steffens
  • Patent number: 11799184
    Abstract: An interposer acts as a buffer zone between a transceiver IC and a dielectric waveguide interconnect and establishes two well-defined reference planes that can be optimized independently. The interposer includes a block of material having: a first interface region to interface with an antenna coupled to an integrated circuit (IC); and a second interface region to interface to the dielectric waveguide. An interface waveguide is formed by a defined region positioned within the block of material between the first interface region and the second interface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Baher Haroun, Juan Alejandro Herbsommer, Gerd Schuppener, Swaminathan Sankaran
  • Patent number: 11407124
    Abstract: A rotary joint according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line, a transmitting circuit connected to one end of the first microstrip line and configured to output a communication signal, a transmitting-side terminator connected to the other end of the first microstrip line, a receiving-side terminator connected to one end of the second microstrip line, and a receiving circuit connected to the other end of the second microstrip line and configured to receive the communication signal, in which the first and second microstrip lines and are set along at least a part of a circular ring having a circumferential length equal to an integral multiple of a wavelength of a traveling wave with which the communication signal propagates through the microstrip lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohisa Takai, Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10284044
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electrical power on aircraft rotor heads are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The rotor assembly is rigidly coupled to a rotor head of an aircraft. The rotor assembly is to rotate at a first rate as the rotor head rotates at the first rate. The stator assembly is rotatably coupled to the rotor assembly. The stator assembly includes a stabilizer to aerodynamically resist rotation of the stator assembly. The stabilizer is to cause the stator assembly to rotate at a second rate less than the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schmick
  • Patent number: 10044090
    Abstract: A satellite dish mount device for mounting a dish base plate of a satellite dish thereon. The satellite dish mount device includes a flashing attached to a rooftop. The flashing includes a cable receiving member. A base mount block assembly is integrated to the flashing and includes a block member and a top base plate adaptable to mount the dish base plate thereon. The top base plate includes a plurality of first extruded fins and a plurality of second extruded fins. A cable riser assembly enables a cable coupled to the satellite dish to pass via the cable receiving member through the rooftop. The cable riser assembly provides a drip curve arrangement to the cable above the rooftop and between the satellite dish and the strain relief fitting member thereby providing water proof protection to the cable riser assembly and to the rooftop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Imagineering Plus Plus, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart H. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 9935356
    Abstract: A satellite dish mount device for mounting a dish base plate of a satellite dish thereon. The satellite dish mount device includes a flashing attached to a rooftop. The flashing includes a cable receiving member. A base mount block assembly is integrated to the flashing and includes a block member and a top base plate adaptable to mount the dish base plate thereon. The top base plate includes a plurality of first extruded fins and a plurality of second extruded fins. A cable riser assembly enables a cable coupled to the satellite dish to pass via the cable receiving member through the rooftop. The cable riser assembly provides a drip curve arrangement to the cable above the rooftop and between the satellite dish and the strain relief fitting member thereby providing water proof protection to the cable riser assembly and to the rooftop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Imagineering Plus Plus, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart H. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 9054409
    Abstract: Systems are provided for positioning passive reflectors, such a lens/mirror assemblies, and other types of reflectors that need to be pointed in a particular direction. The systems can effectuate control of both the elevation and azimuth angles of the reflector. The systems can be configured so that a mount can rotate so as to vary the azimuth angle of the reflector by 360° or more without a need to reverse the direction of rotation of the reflector, and without the use of slip rings, RF rotary joints, or electrical cable wraps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Zimmerman, Robert Meehan, Mark Mannarino, Courtney D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140354379
    Abstract: An improved slip-ring has a stator and a rotor, and includes a brush having a proximal end mounted on one of the stator and rotor and having a distal end engaging the other of the stator and rotor. The brush is adapted to convey electrical signals across the interface between the stator and rotor. The improvement includes: the rotor including a support member (1); and a track provided on the other of the stator and rotor, the track being arranged for sliding contact with the brush distal end; and a thermal element (3 or 6) arranged within the support member for selectively affecting the temperature of the rotor; whereby the temperature operating range of the slip-ring may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: MOOG INC.
    Inventors: Donnie S. Coleman, Michael H. Harris, Terry A. Willemin
  • Patent number: 8786385
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis D Lorenc
  • Patent number: 8228136
    Abstract: A coupling loop with each leg connected by two resistors, R1 and R2 going to ground on a disk shaped printed circuit board provides a directional coupler with directivity tuned by rotating this disk assembly and coupling controlled by the distance to the main RF transmission line. Once the desired level of directivity is obtained, this board is locked with screws from the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Powerwave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Purna C. Subedi
  • Patent number: 8138849
    Abstract: A non-contacting rotary interface has a first core with a first pair of balanced transmission lines coupled to the first core and a second core moveable in relation to the first core with a second pair of balanced transmission lines coupled to the second core and configured to receive signals from the first pair of balanced transmission lines. The first pair of balanced transmission lines has a first transmit wire coupled to a first transceiver at a first end of the first transmit wire, a second transceiver coupled to the first transmit wire at a second end of the first transmit wire, a second transmit wire coupled to a third transceiver at a first end of the second transmit wire, and a fourth transceiver coupled to the second transmit wire at a second end of the second transmit wire. The balanced transmission lines may be electrical traces on a circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Voxis, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Newhall West, Jon Robert Kiser, Jerry Samuel Dimsdale
  • Patent number: 7973613
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Tsun-Hsu Chang, Bo-Ren Yu
  • Patent number: 7808346
    Abstract: A high frequency (HF) rotary joint including a rotor and a stator is disclosed. The rotor is connected to the stator by a high frequency connection via a ?/4 line. The rotor, moreover, is mounted in the stator utilizing at least one radial aircushion bearing and at least one axial aircushion bearing. The bearings prevent contact between the rotor and the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Spinner GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Christian Stadler
  • Patent number: 7782159
    Abstract: A rotary coupler comprises a stator 1 having a first face 3a and a rotor 2 having a second face 4a, the first and second faces 3a, 4a being spaced apart from and facing each other. A first electrically conducting track 5 is provided on the first face 3a of the stator 1 which forms a transmission line and has spaced apart ends A, B and a second electrically conducting track 6 is provided on the second surface 4a of the rotor 2 also forming a transmission line and having spaced apart ends C, D. One end A of the first track 5, in use, is connected to signal generating means and the other end B of the first track is connected to earth through a resistor substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. The first track 5 extends along a generally circular arc substantially around the first face 3a of the stator 1, the first track 5 having a length substantially equal to an integer number of wavelengths of the signal produced, in use, by the signal generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Transense Technologies, PLC
    Inventors: John Peter Beckley, Victor Alexandrovich Kalinin
  • Patent number: 7515021
    Abstract: A split ring coupler comprising a stator ring having at least one split in it such that the stator has at least a first and a second end and a rotor ring having at least one split in it such that the rotor ring has at least a first and a second end, said rotor ring being oriented substantially coaxially with and axially spaced apart from said stator ring. At least one SAW resonator is electrically directly coupled between said first and second ends of the rotor ring in series therewith, neither of said ends of said stator ring being connected to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Transense Technologies PLC
    Inventors: Victor Alexandrovich Kalinin, John Peter Beckley
  • Publication number: 20080303614
    Abstract: A high frequency (HF) rotary joint including a rotor and a stator is disclosed. The rotor is connected to the stator by a high frequency connection via a ?/4 line. The rotor, moreover, is mounted in the stator utilizing at least one radial aircushion bearing and at least one axial aircushion bearing. The bearings prevent contact between the rotor and the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Spinner GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Fischer, Christian Stadler
  • Publication number: 20080278267
    Abstract: A rotary coupler comprises a stator 1 having a first face 3a and a rotor 2 having a second face 4a, the first and second faces 3a, 4a being spaced apart from and facing each other. A first electrically conducting track 5 is provided on the first face 3a of the stator 1 which forms a transmission line and has spaced apart ends A, B and a second electrically conducting track 6 is provided on the second surface 4a of the rotor 2 also forming a transmission line and having spaced apart ends C, D. One end A of the first track 5, in use, is connected to signal generating means and the other end B of said first track IS connected to earth through a resistor substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. The first track 5 extends along a generally circular arc substantially around the first face 3a of the stator 1, said first track 5 having a length substantially equal to an integer number of wavelengths of the signal produced, in use, by the signal generating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Peter Beckley, Victor Alexandrovich Kalinin
  • Patent number: 7148773
    Abstract: An array transmits a wide-band electric signal between at least two components disposed for rotation relative to each other. The components are provided with coupling surfaces that are maintained at a largely constant distance from each other via the rotary movement. The space between the coupling surfaces is predominantly filled with a dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Lohr
  • Patent number: 7142071
    Abstract: A velocity compensated contacting ring system includes a first dielectric material, a plurality of concentric spaced conductive rings and a first ground plane. The first dielectric material includes a first side and a second side. The plurality of concentric spaced conductive rings are located on the first side of the first dielectric material. The conductive rings include an inner ring and an outer ring. The first ground plane is located on the second side of the first dielectric material. A width of the inner ring is greater than a width of the outer ring and the widths of the inner and outer rings are selected to substantially equalize electrical lengths of the inner and outer rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventor: Donnie S. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7091804
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a rotary joint which is of a thin type and has broad band characteristics and which is low in loss and is excellent in power resistance as well. In order to attain the object, the rotary joint includes: first and second polarizers each having a common side terminal connected to a waveguide portion, and two branch side terminals through which two polarized waves orthogonal to each other inputted through the common side terminal are separately taken out; and the waveguide portion which has a rotatable connection portion, one end of which is connected to the common side terminal of the first polarizer and the other end of which is connected to the common side terminal of the second polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Aramaki, Naofumi Yoneda, Moriyasu Miyazaki, Akio Iida, Izuru Naito, Toshiyuki Horie, Yutaka Simawaki
  • Patent number: 6985046
    Abstract: In a device for the transmission of electrical signals between at least two units mobile relative to each other, such as a slip ring or a sliding path, a shielding surface of an electrically conductive material is provided to reduce interference radiation and interference sensitivity, and to diminish a coupling with adjacent paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Harry Schilling
  • Patent number: 6956450
    Abstract: A device for non-contact transmission of electrical signals or energy between two parts mobile relative to each other comprising electromagnetic near-field coupler elements on the two parts, wherein the coupler elements on at least one part form a cascade circuit terminated in a manner substantially free from reflection, and each coupler element is an independent resonance system having a resonance frequency higher than a highest frequency of wide-band signals to be transmitted. An alternatively structured device in which each coupler element on one part includes an element that resonates independently and has a resonance frequency approximately equal to the frequency of signals or energy to be transmitted including developments in which the coupler elements operate on differential signals, or analyzer means determine the spacing between the two parts, or at least one part comprises symmetrical lines for supplying differential energy signals to two coupler elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Schleifring and Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Lohr
  • Patent number: 6956445
    Abstract: A contacting probe system includes at least one flat brush contact and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a feedline for coupling the flat brush contact to an external interface. The flat brush contact is located on a first side of the PCB and the PCB includes a plated through eyelet that interconnects the flat brush contact to the feedline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Tec Corp.
    Inventor: Donnie S. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6950633
    Abstract: A rotary non-contact connector and a non-rotary non-contact connector enable data transmission in a non-contact mode by radio transmitters-receivers by combining rotary transformers or stationary transformers and radio transmitters-receivers, and providing power systems with buffer functions by a storage means to receive supplied electric power. Each of the rotary non-contact connector and the non-rotary non-contact connector has first and second radio transmitters-receivers provided between a rotor and an annular stator of a rotary transformer and between first and second stationary members of a stationary transformer to permit two-way radio data communication in a non-contact mode. Furthermore, storage means are provided to implement a buffering function for a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignees: Tamagawa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Chubu Nihon Maruki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kojima, Akifumi Arai, Hiroyuki Koitabashi
  • Patent number: 6864759
    Abstract: A rotary signal coupler for providing signal coupling to a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) device (4) mounted on a shaft (5) includes a first electrically conducting loop (21) mounted on a disc (23) and connected to the SAW device (4), and a second electrically conductive loop (22) mounted on a disc (24) and connected to external electronic circuitry. The disc (23) is fixed relative to the shaft (5) and the disc (24) is fixed relative to the structure in which the shaft (5) rotates so that the loops (21, 22) are inductively coupled. A grounded screen (27), which preferably takes the form of a plurality of radially extending fingers is located on the disc (23) and positioned between the loops (21, 22) to eliminate capacitive coupling therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Transense Technologies PLC
    Inventors: Anthony Lonsdale, Bryan Lonsdale
  • Patent number: 6850128
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Pyong K. Park
  • Patent number: 6838958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary signal coupler, that is to say a device for providing signal coupling between two components which are rotatable relative to each other. A coupler is provided comprising a first substantially circular track secured to a first support and a second substantially circular track secured to a second support which is rotatable relative to the first support. The first and second tracks are coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotatable second support and are adjacent each other so as to provide signal coupling therebetween. The second track has at least two gaps therein which form electrical discontinuities between separated track portions. The separated track portions are electrically connected to one another. Signal coupling with a rotatable support having a relatively large diameter may be thereby improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Transense Technologies plc
    Inventors: Anthony Lonsdale, Bryan Lonsdale
  • Patent number: 6720850
    Abstract: A resonance type SPST switch is formed by connecting an inductive element in series with the drain of an FET, and then by connecting a capacitive element in parallel with the series connection of the FET and the inductive element. A constant-voltage source for feeding a voltage Vs is connected to the source of the FET, and a variable-voltage generator for switching the FET between an on state and a state in the vicinity of pinchoff is connected to the gate of the FET. When the variable-voltage generator feeds a voltage V&agr; in the vicinity of a pinchoff voltage to the gate of the FET, the SPST switch is closed while the amount of attenuation between first and second terminals is variably set. The resulting variable attenuator is thus compact in size, allows a large amount of attenuation to be set, and involves low manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Sasabata, Motoyasu Nakao
  • Publication number: 20040051604
    Abstract: An array transmits a wide-band electric signal between at least two components disposed for rotation relative to each other. The components are provided with coupling surfaces that are maintained at a largely constant distance from each other via the rotary movement. The space between the coupling surfaces is predominantly filled with a dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Georg Lohr
  • Publication number: 20030146812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary signal coupler, that is to say a device for providing signal coupling between two components which are rotatable relative to each other. A coupler is provided comprising a first substantially circular track secured to a first support (not shown) and a second substantially circular track (102) secured to a second support (10) which is rotatable relative to the first support. The first and second tracks are coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotatable second support (10) and are adjacent each other so as to provide signal coupling therebetween. The second track (102) has at least two gaps (106, 108) therein which form electrical discontinuities between separated track portions. The separated track portions are electrically connected (110) to one another. Signal coupling with a rotatable support having a relatively large diameter may be thereby improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony Lonsdale, Bryan Lonsdale
  • Patent number: 6501351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza
    Inventor: Philippe Jacques René Gasnier
  • Patent number: 6437656
    Abstract: A conductive slip ring system functions to transfer information electrically between a moving frame and a stationary frame. The conductive slip ring system includes a conductive transmission line and a conductive probe. The conductive transmission line is attached to the stationary frame or the moving frame. The conductive transmission line includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first portion is coupled to a first terminator. The second end of the first portion is coupled to a signal source through a first reflection path impedance matching resistor. The second portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second portion is coupled to a second terminator and the second end of the second portion is coupled to the signal source through a second reflection path impedance matching resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Electro-Tec Corp.
    Inventors: Preston L. Guynn, Glenn F. Dorsey, Lee E. Barker
  • Patent number: 6404298
    Abstract: In a waveguide twist having a torsion element with at least three individual parts situated adjacent to each other and rotatable around an axis of the torsion element, in which each of the individual parts has a central passage hole with a cross-section corresponding to the open cross-section of the waveguides, and in which the passage holes of the individual parts in a non-rotated condition of the torsion element are aligned with each other, a recess is formed in one face of each of the individual parts, the extent of the recess in circumferential direction corresponding to a specified angle of rotation; from the other face of the individual parts a pin extends in an axial direction; and in a mounted position of the torsion element a pin projecting from one individual part engages in the recess located in the face of the adjacent individual part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Stefan Rohr, Daniel Wojtkowiak
  • Publication number: 20010045877
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Diamond Antenna and Microwave Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Christian, Chad S. Klotzle
  • Patent number: 6188300
    Abstract: A stabilizer platform mounted to a vessel for positioning a satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions. An azimuth motor and an elevation motor are mounted in a formed hollow interior of a housing. Azimuth motor control cables and elevation motor control cables are connected to the motors to carry signals and power for controlling the operation of the motors. On top of housing is mounted a platform which rotates in the azimuth direction with respect to the housing. The azimuth motor is coupled to the platform through a gear arrangement and rotates the platform. On top of the platform is mounted an elevation drive which holds the satellite dish antenna. Mounted in the platform is an elevation gear cluster which rotates with respect to the platform. The elevation gear cluster is coupled to the elevation drive. The elevation motor drives the elevation gear cluster so that the elevation motor can move the satellite dish antenna in the elevation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Winegard Company
    Inventor: Charles Eugene Rodeffer
  • Patent number: 6114860
    Abstract: A rotary coupled transmission line cell is disclosed which generates standard electromagnetic waves needed for measuring the electromagnetic wave susceptibility (EMS), for measuring the electromagnetic wave interference (EMI) and for correcting the probe. In the present invention, two internal conductors are used to have a 4-port structure, and therefore, the generation of the circulation transmission waves are inhibited during the generation of the standard waves having arbitrary impedances. Therefore, accurate standard waves can be generated, and adjustments of arbitrary polarizations and arbitrary irradiating directions are made possible. Further, when an odd mode power supply is carried out to the internal conductors, the standard electromagnetic waves having a uniformity as high as 3 times that of the conventional ones can be generated. Further, an inverted L shaped test object supporting plate is installed, so that the polarization can be carried out with a greater adjustment width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Jae Hoon Yun
  • Patent number: 6064288
    Abstract: A coaxial rotary coupler assembly which includes a coaxial transmission region for transmitting RF energy between a stationary and rotating section of the rotary coupler. Compact stubs are associated with the input and output connections to associated input and output transmission lines. Stepped impedance chokes are formed between fixed and rotating portions of the outer and inner coaxial conductors of the rotary transmission line sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: L3 Communications Corp., Randtron Antenna Systems Division
    Inventors: Douglas A. Norman, James P. Scherer
  • Patent number: 6018279
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coupler transfers RF power between a first circuit on a rotary shaft and a second circuit relative to which the shaft can rotate. The coupler comprises a first RF transmission line arranged to rotate with the rotary shaft about the rotation axis of the rotary shaft for connection to the first circuit and a second RF transmission line relative to which the first RF transmission line can rotate for connection to the second circuit. The first and second RF transmission lines comprise first and second electrically conductive tracks arranged coaxially around the rotation axis in mutually overlapping relationship to provide RF coupling between the first and second RF transmission lines. Each track has a gap defining a pair of ports. One of the ports of each track is connectable to a respective circuit and another port in the track is connected to a RF reflecting termination. A notch filter tunable to a desired frequency within a predetermined RF band is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Racal-MESL Limited
    Inventor: John W. Arthur
  • Patent number: 5892411
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Ulrich Schwan
    Inventors: Ulrich Schwan, Andreas Nagel
  • Patent number: 5877660
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: Nihon Dengyo Kosaku Co., Ltd., NTT Mobile Communications Network Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshio Ebine, Masahiro Karikomi, Tohru Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5805115
    Abstract: A rotary microwave antenna system suitable for satellite or cellular microwave radio telecommunications features an integrated, low-profile, rotary microwave joint, slip ring and antenna assembly. The rotary antenna system includes a stator (i.e., stationary portion), for attachment to a mobile platform (e.g., an automobile or other vehicle), having a rotary joint coaxial microwave coupler for electrically coupling a microwave transmission line from a microwave telecommunications radio system to a microwave antenna element of an microwave antenna rotatable about an axis relative to the mobile platform. The rotary antenna system also includes a rotor (i.e., rotary portion) for attachment to the microwave antenna. The rotor includes a slip ring circuit (or brushes) for coupling power and low frequency electrical signals to the microwave antenna through contacting brushes (or slip ring) attached to the stator, rotates relative to the stator, and is concentric with the axis of rotation of the microwave antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kevlin Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Pellerin, David Faulkner, Brian McLaughlin, Ernie Lattanzi
  • Patent number: 5781087
    Abstract: A rectangular waveguide rotary joint that allows limited mechanical rotation of two rectangular waveguides around a common longitudinal axis. The joint comprises a first rectangular waveguide having a first waveguide flange and a second rectangular waveguide having a second waveguide flange, wherein the second waveguide flange is disposed adjacent to the first waveguide flange with an air gap disposed therebetween. An RF choke is formed in the waveguide flanges for reducing RF leakage caused by the air gap, and a low friction spacer system for separating the first and second waveguides to maintain relative alignment of the waveguides during rotation and maintain a substantially constant separation between the waveguides. The waveguide rotary joint provides for a low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and low insertion loss exhibited over a +/-30 degree rotation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William W. Milroy, Shane H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5708259
    Abstract: An output door mechanism for a microwave decomposition machine allows a rotating tank to be coupled to a fixed waveguide with both a vacuum and a microwave seal. The fixed waveguide delivers microwave power to the rotating tank in a decomposition machine. A moveable end cover joins the rotating tank to the fixed waveguide providing the rotating tank with a vacuum and microwave seal during the decomposition of material and discharge of the tank after the decomposition has been completed. The output door mechanism uses a rolling bearing to form a rolling seal, a sliding bearing to form a sliding seal, and a metallic bellows to form a flexible seal. A plunger compresses a spring to seal the end cover to the rotating tank. When the plunger no longer applies compressive force to the spring the end cover separates from the rotating tank to allow discharge of the decomposed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yuh-Ren Shieh, Chi-non Chen, Jey-cherng Chen, Chun-yuh Yu
  • Patent number: 5668514
    Abstract: A signal transmission device includes a first body made of electromagnetic shielding material and fixed to a rotary shaft which passes through the first body. The first body revolves together with the rotary shaft around an axis of the rotary shaft. A second body made of electromagnetic shielding material is stationarily disposed around the rotary shaft. A first conductive element is spirally formed on a first substrate in a manner that peak magnitude points of traveling wave component of transmission signal generated on the element are positioned out of alignment with each other between the neighboring turns of the spiral element in radial direction of the spirally formed element. The first conductive element is disposed in the first body. A second conductive element is formed on a second substrate and has a first width enough to cover the first conductive element in the radial direction and a second width in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Hoshino, Toyokazu Sano, Takeo Oe
  • Patent number: 5506555
    Abstract: While carrying and rotating a tubular body to be inspected, an image pick up device is inserted into the tubular body to be inspected to pick up an image of the internal surface thereof to take out a corresponding video signal to transmit the video signal to an image processing device through an antenna device to carry out image processing to judge the internal surface of the tubular body to be inspected. In the antenna device, ring-shaped conductors are oppositely arranged in a ring-shaped hollow chamber provided within an electromagnetic shielding body wherein one ring-shaped conductor is rotated and the other is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5475351
    Abstract: A non-contact rotating coupler for transmitting a signal through coupling capacitances formed between opposite coupling plates arranged apart from each other. In the coupling plate, an inductance for causing a parallel resonance in a signal frequency band with a stray capacity existing between a grounded conductor and a non-grounded conductor is connected between a junction point of a resistor and a capacitor and the grounded conductor or between the non-grounded conductor and the grounded conductor, thereby reducing a coupling loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Systems Uniques Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Uematsu, Takashi Ojima, Kazuo Kato
  • Patent number: 5442329
    Abstract: The rotor of the joint includes two rectangular waveguide ports, carrying two separate signals. The stator has two corresponding rectangular waveguide ports. The ports are coupled with a circular waveguide, which comprises two relatively rotatable stub-cylinders, disposed co-axially in-line on the axis of rotation. Signal A is transmitted through the circular waveguide, across the joint, in the TM01 propagation mode, while signal B is transmitted across the joint in the TE01 mode. These circular-symmetrical modes, with mutually orthogonal field distribution, are able to cut cross-talk interference, since the mode transducers of these modes maintain good mutual isolation, even though the signals are present together in the circular waveguide, and at the same or similar frequency. The TM01 mode (signal A) is excited, and received, by means of slots formed in the end wall of the circular waveguide stubs. The port for signal A communicates with the circular waveguide through the two slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: SG Microwaves Inc.
    Inventors: Subir Ghosh, Luiz C. Da Silva
  • Patent number: 5434548
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Thompson, Randolph E. Standke, Thomas R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5233320
    Abstract: A multiple channel rotary joint design is described in which the channel components are laid out in a manner to reduce the number of layers of microwave circuitry necessary to provide rotary coupling with the antenna. The reduction of layers in each channel allows room for larger conductors in each channel, providing greater power handling capability. Compactness is also achieved through the use of a novel central extrusion that replaces the usual coaxial input lines, novel choke designs, and a novel stripline configuration that makes dual use of various components and minimizes losses within the joint. The central extrusion provides all the high power inputs, while allowing the passage through its center of a plurality of low power coaxial lines to low power channels residing on top of the high power channels. Cooling of the rotary joint is simplified by keeping the center of the joint stationary, and cooling air is fed through the transmission lines to make this function more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Gary E. Evans
  • Patent number: 5192923
    Abstract: Reception and transmission of radio frequency signals is performed between the rotary portion and the stationary portion via an electromagnetically coupled portion in which a microstrip formed along substantial one lap of the circumference having a length equivalent to an odd multiple of substantially 1/2 of the electrical wave length of the transmitted radio frequency signal is electromagnetically coupled with a microstrip having a length equivalent to an add multiple of substantially 1/4 of the electrical wave length of the radio frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutoshi Komatsu