Watercraft Part Of Active Antenna Or Vice Versa Patents (Class 343/710)
  • Patent number: 9799943
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and system are described for a coaxial antenna. An apparatus may comprise, for example, an integrated circuit and a coaxial cable coupled to the integrated circuit and arranged to operate as an antenna, the coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor layer and at least one insulator layer, wherein one or more portions of the inner conductor layer are exposed to allow the exposed inner conductor layer to operate as a radiating element for the antenna. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand S. Konanur, Ulun Karacaoglu, Songnan Yang, Xintian E. Lin
  • Patent number: 9577312
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide polarization alignment for wireless networking systems. A polarization aligned wireless networking system may include one or more sensors, controllers, user interfaces, and/or other modules mounted to or in proximity to a vehicle. Antennas for each of the electronic devices may be implemented with linear polarization components that can be substantially aligned with a lateral axis of the vehicle. Each electronic device may be implemented with a logic device adapted to use a corresponding antenna to form one or more wireless links between the various electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Johnson, Chris Hodgson, Matthieu Maindrou, Stuart Johnson
  • Patent number: 8368156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for designing an electrically small antenna, in one embodiment, within an enclosing volume. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of designing the electrically small antenna which has a general cross-sectional contour shape of an oblate spheroid from a top load portion to a stem portion below the top load portion. The oblate spheroid contour shape is represented by an antenna dipole moment algorithm which includes a dipole moment term. The method further comprises the steps of controlling the amplitude of the dipole moment term, including adjusting the amplitude of the dipole moment term to independently change the oblate spheroid contour shape, resulting in a change to the electric field outside the enclosing volume and a change to the electric field inside the enclosing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas O. Jones, III
  • Publication number: 20120212379
    Abstract: There is disclosed a broadband HF antenna, which is fully integrated on a naval ship. This antenna enables to transmit and/or receive radio-frequency waves from a naval ship. The antenna comprises a radiating element and an exciting element. The exciting element excites the radiating element when fed with current. The radiating element is a structural element of the ship itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Thales Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Clement, Jan Martinus Schouten
  • Patent number: 8207902
    Abstract: A broadband cage antenna about a mast of a vessel is described, containing a first plurality of wires aligned in a substantially vertical orientation and arranged circumferentially around the mast; a second plurality of wires aligned in a substantially horizontal orientation and placed around the mast, a first wire of the second plurality of wires joining, near a top portion of the mast, all the first plurality of wires, and a second wire of the second plurality of wires joining, near a bottom portion of the mast, all the first plurality of wires; and an antenna feed coupled to the second wire of the second plurality of wires, wherein the first and second plurality of wires are electrically insulated from the mast, to form a broadband antenna having a VSWR response of less than 4 over a designated frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Navy
    Inventor: Daniel W. S. Tam
  • Patent number: 8207901
    Abstract: An antenna comprises first and second radiating elements for connecting to a first and second potential levels respectively. The first and second potential levels are substantially different for generating an electrostatic field from the first and the second radiating elements. The antenna further comprises first and second field shaping structures for controlling field propagation in a first and second direction respectively. The first and second field shaping structures are interdisplaced for defining a field pathway while the first and second radiating elements are disposed adjacent to the first and second field shaping structures and along the field pathway for directing the electrostatic field in a propagation direction through a liquid medium. More specifically, the propagation direction is defined by the field pathway and substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventor: Jurianto Joe
  • Patent number: 8179327
    Abstract: A subsurface deployable antenna array is provided which expands upon deployment and contracts for storage to provide an antenna array that can be stored in a comparatively compact space. Electronically interconnected antenna modules are connected by expandable/contractable connectors. A helically-organized bundle of optical cables and electrical wiring are utilized in the expandable/contractable connectors. Mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic means may be utilized to control the spacing between the antenna modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James H. Clark, Norbert E. Yankielun
  • Patent number: 8044869
    Abstract: A system for mounting a wireless antenna and equipment to a stealth communication tower in coastal areas and inland waterways, camouflaged as a sailboat. The Cellboat is retrofitted to securely and discreetly store wireless transceiver equipment, and an antenna is attached at the top of the mast. Access doors are disposed in the side of the Cellboat to provide access to the equipment for maintenance purposes. The Cellboat is stored at drydock, allowing for access and protection from flooding of the equipment. Alternatively, when the Cellboat is deployed in the water, the access doors will be located on the top deck of the Cellboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Cellboat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Overton, Ryan Morgan, Keith P. Brown, David Altman
  • Patent number: 7830318
    Abstract: An antenna system, with a loop antenna and a loop current, is provided for transmitting an electromagnetic signal through a medium. The loop antenna has an E field transducer that generates an E field, and an H field transducer that generates an H field. The E and H fields are orthogonal in space and have at least one of a magnitude and phase relationship that is matched to an intrinsic impedance of a medium to generate a propagating wave. In an insulating medium the loop current lags an E field plate voltage by 90° to produce in phase E and H fields. In a conductive medium current is applied to the loop with a 135° phase lag with respect to a voltage across the E field plates. The H field is generated by the current component and leads current by 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Wireless Fibre Systems
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 6577268
    Abstract: The present invention provides an outboard test facility that is operable for testing a ship's direction finding antenna system in all directions as the ship circles while receiving test signals from the outboard test facility. The test facility provides a computer control operable for monitoring and storing signal power produced by any selected patch interconnections between a plurality of antennas, a plurality of radio frequency amplifiers and a plurality of signal generators at the outboard test facility. The computer control permits a single operator to monitor a signal analyzer to determine the optimum signal power for each of a list of signal frequencies to be broadcast to the ship based on the selected patch interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mustard, Diem-Trang T. Le
  • Patent number: 6225940
    Abstract: A detection system for small water craft, such as a kayak. Radar reflective material is incorporated in the surface of the kayak or other water craft, and also is incorporated in surface areas of water craft accessories, such as cushion, life vest or paddle. When the smaller water craft is in the vicinity of a larger aircraft which may be radar equipped so that there is danger of a collision or where the water craft is in a position where it would want detection as part of a rescue effort or the like, the water craft is oriented so that the radar reflective surface would reflect radar back to the sending source, thus better enabling detection. Also, the paddle or other water craft accessory could be positioned so as to reflect the radar waves. Further, the paddle or other accessory could be oriented to reflect the radar waves back to the source, or do so intermittently, in the event that the radar system is programmed to ignore a constant reflective signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Ohlsen
  • Patent number: 6195057
    Abstract: A submarine antenna assembly comprises a tubular body having a removable end cap, a mast stowable in the body and extendible therefrom and having elements mounted thereon, a penetrator stowable in the body and movable therefrom by the mast upon removal of the end cap, the penetrator being adapted to bore through an ice layer, and an inflatable ring stowable in the body and movable therefrom by the mast upon the removal of the end cap. First and second capsules are in the body for retaining and releasing gas, the first capsule being adapted upon opening thereof to pressurize the body to blow off the end cap to permit movement of the mast, the ring, and penetrator out of body, and the second capsule being adapted to inflate the ring to hold the penetrator in engagement with an undersurface of the ice layer. An electronics assembly is disposed in the body and includes message retention and transmitting means in communication with the mast, and timer means in communication with the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Kornblith, James E. Eninger, James M. Zamel, Samuel Kuo Kan
  • Patent number: 5964175
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for attaching one or more unmanned, hydroamically shaped, autonomous, undersea platforms to the bow of a submarine. An array of depressions, each matching the shape of the platforms, is provided in the bow of the submarine, equally spaced about the circumference of the submarine. Once seated in the depressions and attached to the submarine, the platforms provide a smooth, hydrodynamic shape to the bow of the submarine. Additionally, conformal arrays on the platforms mate with conformal arrays on the bow of the submarine to form a continuous conformal array and the platforms' weapons systems provide the submarine with forward deployed weapons when the platforms are attached. A platform is launched by detaching it from the submarine bow and raising the leading edge of the platform slightly into the water flow around the bow. Hydrodynamic forces lift the platform away from the submarine for an acoustically quiet launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John E. Sirmalis, Bernard J. Myers
  • Patent number: 5550555
    Abstract: A structure comprises a first component subject to loading and connected to a second component via a load transmitting member so that the loading exerted by the first component is imposed on the second component. The first component includes a surface secured to a complementary first surface of said load transmitting member and the second component includes a surface secured to a complementary second surface of said load transmitting member. The load transmitting member and the second component are formed of materials having relatively superior and inferior mechanical properties, respectively and the area of said surface of the second component is greater than the area of said surface of the first component. The first component may be an antenna and the second component a radome for a submarine formed of, for example, syntactic foam. The load transmitting member may be formed from fibre-reinforced plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Vickers Shipbuilding & Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 5434584
    Abstract: A low frequency submarine communication system which utilizes the submarine ody as part of the antenna. The antenna is coiled around the submarine hull and utilizes the hull as the core for low frequency (below 1000 Hz) communication. The system allows communication with other vehicles below, on, or above the surface without impeding submarine operation (speed or depth) and the system greatly decreases chances of unwanted detection of the submarine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1973
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Francis J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5014068
    Abstract: A broad band HF communications antenna for surface ships has an increased rvivability over the currently used twin fan antennas. Capacitively coupling a long, flat conductive strap to existing ship structures helps achieve broadband performance. Integral end sections of the long, flat conductive strap are bent at each end and a dielectric layer with a low dielectric constant is provided along the length of each end section. The end sections and dielectric layers provide the areas needed for capacitive coupling to a mast and stack or other parts of the ship's superstructure thereby creating a survivable and broadband HF communications antenna design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert S. Abramo
  • Patent number: 4543582
    Abstract: For radio communication with submarine vessels frequency ranges with very low frequencies are used. Even at these frequencies the penetration depth in salt water is only approximately 10 to 20 meters. In order to improve the signal noise ratio or to extend the submerging depth use is made of buoy antennas connected to the submarine vessel by a cable. In order to improve the manoeuvrability of the submarine vessel and to avoid the use of an active control system in the antenna, the antenna is constructed as a torpedo-like hollow body, which at the trailing part is equipped with two hydrofoils resembling a horizontal tail unit, which hydrofoils interconnect the top and bottom of the body to each other as an open arc. Both in the floating body and in the hydrofoils a loop of a crossed-loop antenna is incorporated, which loops are tuned in order to increase the sensitivity. Signal transmission to the submarine vessel is effected via an optical fibre guide, which also transmits the traction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Dieter Hellwege, Peter Steffen, Wolfgang Waldhelm
  • Patent number: 4300468
    Abstract: A submarine's mast and its protective closure are prevented from inadvertly damaging each other while deploying or retrieving the mast and while securing the closure. Interconnected logic circuitry electronically prevents an improper actuation sequence so that the mast and closure do not collide. Mechanical linkages and fail-safes susceptible to corrosion and damage are eliminated thereby permitting more reliable operation from circuitry safely stowed inside the submarine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul S. Catano, Malvyn C. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4283727
    Abstract: A transmission path between a source of microwaves, such as a radar transceiver, and a load rectilinearly movable with reference thereto, such as an aerial mounted on a retractable mast of a submarine periscope, comprises two relatively movable parallel waveguides respectively connected to a pair of coaxial ancillary guide portions with mating extremities which are separated from each other in one relative position and are interfitted in another relative position of the source and the load. The male guide portion is externally grooved to form microwave chokes whose effect is enhanced by a peripheral layer of energy-absorbent coating disposed beyond these chokes as seen from the female guide portion. The main waveguides may be coaxial with the interfitting guide portions or may extend parallel thereto and be connected to them by respective elbows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Jacques Martel, Roger Famin
  • Patent number: 4200873
    Abstract: A low profile transmitting antenna consisting of a circular slot in a coal cavity that is folded several times. The last inner fold of the coaxial cavity is loaded with the tuning coil. The tuning coil can in the alternative be connected in series with the transmitter leeds connected to the radiating slot. Concentric cylinders alternately attached to the top and bottom of the cavity are used to form the folded coaxial cavity that provides the equivalent of a tapered transmission line. Energy to be transmitted is fed across the circular slot of the antenna or in the alternative may be fed into the last inner fold in the center of the cavity. The antenna radiates energy out with the same radiation pattern as a vertical monopole antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Elwin W. Seeley
  • Patent number: 4177468
    Abstract: A transmitting antenna that can be inflated with air or a liquid dielectric nd floated in seawater. It consists of a cuplike cavity backing a radiating annular slot antenna. It can be used to communicate to submarines or surface ships or as a navigation transmitting antenna. It is small compared to the wavelength of the operating frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Elwin W. Seeley, Verne E. Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 4093935
    Abstract: An array of sonar transducers enclosed within a flexible webbing and having spring members located between the transducers for urging the transducers against the webbing to provide a rigid structure which secures the transducers in their positions in the array. The webbing is stowed in spaces between the transducers with the array being in a compressed attitude and secured within an outer canister to permit air dropping of the array into the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Ouellette