With Scanning, Sweeping, Or Orienting Patents (Class 343/754)
  • Patent number: 4751453
    Abstract: A variable dual phase shifter for simultaneously varying the phase shifts in two signal paths by equal and opposite amounts comprises two 90.degree. hybrids in the respective signal paths, and a pair of substantially identical transmission lines connecting output ports of one hybrid to output ports of the other. A number of variable-impedance radio-frequency devices, which are preferably p-i-n diodes, are connected to the transmission lines at positions spaced apart along the length of the lines, the positions on one line corresponding to those on the other line. The impedances of the devices are controlled to create a reflective termination at a selected position on one line and a reflective termination at the corresponding position on the other line, so that the phase shift applied to each signal is determined by the distance of the reflective termination from the respective hybrid. The devices may be arranged in pairs, each device of a pair being coupled to a respective one of the transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: ERA Patents Limited
    Inventor: Stephen J. Foti
  • Patent number: 4743914
    Abstract: A space fed antenna system is adapted to correct for beam pointing (squint) errors and collimation errors caused by frequency variations of the R.F. energy radiated by the antenna system. A subarray of radiating elements is spatially positioned between an electronic lens and the focal point of said lens. The subarray radiates R.F. energy with a spherical wavefront for illuminating the electronic lens, such spherical wavefront having a focal point coincident with the focal point of the electronic lens. A programmer is provided which controls the electronic lens to collimate and direct the R.F. energy from the subarray. A corporate feed is provided which couples to a plurality of phase shifters which feeds corresponding time delay units, which in turn feeds corresponding radiating elements in the subarray. The phase shifters, responsive to the programmer, provide the spherical wavefront to the R.F. energy radiated by radiating elements in the subarray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jack J. Schuss, Jerome D. Hanfling
  • Patent number: 4742358
    Abstract: A method of constructing rotatable scanning prisms (13' and 13") for a multimode detection system (13), each including first and second subprisms (respectively 13'a, 13'b and 13"a, 13"b); the method including the steps of chosing an apex angle for one of said subprisms, determining therefrom apex angles at first and second wavelengths for each of said subprisms, and evaluating whether the differences of apex angles at said several wavelengths are acceptably small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter E. Raber, Lester H. Kosowsky
  • Patent number: 4721966
    Abstract: A planar microwave beamforming lens system achieves wide-angle scanning using a planar lens by using a design in two degrees of freedom. One degree of freedom is provided by varying lengths of transmission lines between aperture side elements and feed side elements as a function of radius. A second degree of freedom results from the distribution of feed side elements so that they are displaced radially from their corresponding aperture elements as a function of the radius of the planar lens. All aperture antenna elements are regularly distributed over the aperture side of the planar lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Daniel T. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4710776
    Abstract: The invention provides an antenna for transmitting or receiving closely spaced multibeams with very low level sidelobes comprising, for each beam feed, a primary feed feeding one or more main elements surrounded by secondary elements some of which are shared between several adjacent beam feed, the power supplied by the primary feed being distributed to the different elements by means of couplers. According to the invention, each shared element is fed by each of the power transmission lines feeding the main element (E1, E'1) of said adjacent beams through a coupler, each transmission line of a secondary radiating element (L2, L'3) comprising at least two couplers (C1, C2) in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventors: Antoine G. Roederer, Guilio Doro, Marco Lisi
  • Patent number: 4706094
    Abstract: A scanner (13) of ferroelectric material (17) for redirecting the orientation of a beam (22) of millimeter wavelength radiation. The scanner (13) includes parallel input and output sides with matching layers (44). Adjacent and opposite parallel wire grid electrodes (31') are addressed with progressive voltage difference excitation levels across the face of the ferroelectric material in order progressively to modify the refractive index distribution of the scanner and thereby conduct effective beam steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Kubick
  • Patent number: 4684952
    Abstract: A passive array of resonantly-dimensioned microstrip antenna radiator patches are closely spaced (i.e., less than one-tenth wavelength) above a ground plane and individually associated with transmission line segments terminated so as to cause the overall array to receive an incident r.f. electromagnetic field, to convert the received field into r.f. electrical currents which flow along the transmission lines and are absorbed by the terminations or reflected therefrom. In the latter case, the reflected r.f. energy is re-transmitted in a predetermined direction as a re-directed r.f. electromagnetic field. The presently preferred embodiment is a relatively thin, flexible and thus conformable layered structure formed by selectively etching conductive material from one side of a metallically cladded dielectric sheet. For satellite communication, a flat reflectarray may be associated with a primary r.f.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Munson, Hussain A. Haddad, John W. Hanlen
  • Patent number: 4684954
    Abstract: A radome shutter structure for preventing the transmission of electromagnetic energy within a selected frequency range and for permitting the transmission of energy outside such frequency range during a first mode of operation and for permitting the transmission of electromagnetic energy over a relatively wide frequency range which includes such selected frequency range during a second mode of operation. The structure includes an insulative substrate having a symmetrical array of metallized regions, each region preferably in the form of a Jerusalem Cross having discontinuous arms interconnected by diode elements which are placed in a conductive state in the first mode of operation and in a non-conductive state in the second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Radant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Sureau, Steven S. Krystofik
  • Patent number: 4642651
    Abstract: A mechanically positioned phase steered transfer lens which is illuminated y a fixed collimation lens. Wide angle scan is accomplished by tilting the movable lens and electronically scanning the beam to the desired angle. The mechanical motion minimizes the required electronic scan angles, thus minimizing the number of phase shifters required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Donald H. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 4641144
    Abstract: A radio frequency antenna system is provided comprising: a radio frequency lens having a parallel plate region and having disposed along opposing peripheral portions thereof a plurality of array ports and a plurality of beam ports, such array ports being coupled to an array of antenna elements arranged to provide a plurality of differently, directed relatively narrow collimated beams of radio frequency energy from a common aperture, each one of such beams being associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of beam ports; and, means for coupling radio frequency energy directly into the parallel plate region to provide, from the common aperture, a relatively broad beam of radio frequency energy.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of amplifiers is provided, each one of the amplifiers being coupled between an array port and a corresponding one of the antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Prickett
  • Patent number: 4636799
    Abstract: A scanner (13) of ferroelectric material (17) for redirecting a beam (22) of millimeter wavelength radiation. The scanner (13) includes parallel input and output sides with matching layers (44). Adjacent and opposite parallel wire grid electrodes (31') are addressed with opposite sense voltage pulses in order to redirect the domain orientation of crystals in selected regions of said ferroelectric material (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Kubick
  • Patent number: 4612548
    Abstract: A network having a plurality of network ports includes a plurality of substantially identical, independent components, each one thereof having a plurality of ports, the degree of coupling among the ports of each component being characterized by a predetermined scattering coefficient matrix. A plurality of feed networks is included, each one having: a first port corresponding to one of the plurality of network ports; and, a plurality of second ports each one being coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of ports of each one of the plurality of components, the degree of coupling among the first port and the plurality of second ports of each of the feed networks being characterized by a predetermined scattering coefficient matrix. The plurality of feed networks and the coupling thereof to the components characterize the network with a scattering coefficient matrix, relating the coupling among the network ports, different from the scattering coefficient matrix characterizing each one of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Fernando Beltran
  • Patent number: 4595926
    Abstract: A beamforming system for a linear phased array antenna system which can be sed in a monopulse transceiver, comprising a pair of series connected parallel plate constrained unfocused lenses which provide a suitable amplitude taper for the linear array to yield a low sidelobe radiation pattern. Digital phase shifters are used for beam steering purposes and the unfocused lenses decorrelate the quantization errors caused by the use of such phase shifters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Joseph P. Kobus, Kenneth A. Ringer
  • Patent number: 4591864
    Abstract: A frequency independent constant beamwidth lens antenna concept is descri. The device may be configured in various ways such as with a cylindrical lens with a retina. The essential feature is that a twisted planar or hyperbolic paraboloidal phase or wave front is formed by the antenna which then in turn produces a frequency independent constant beamwidth beam in the far field of the antenna. Moreover, the frequency independent constant beamwidth beam may be steered or scanned in azimuth without moving the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert L. Sternberg, Warren A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4588994
    Abstract: A radiating element having a continuous aperture substantially greater than one-half the center frequency wavelength for use in an electronically scanned phased array antenna operating in the range of 94 GHz. The new radiating element comprises a ferrite block having a radiating aperture which measures 5.lambda. by 5.lambda. in contrast to the conventional discrete radiating element which measures one-half .lambda. by one-half .lambda.. Thus, where a phased array antenna comprised of an array of the new radiating elements would require only a single radiating element to fill an aperture measuring 5.lambda. by 5.lambda., a phased array antenna of conventional design would require one hundred discrete radiating elements to fill the same aperture. A tapered magnetization is applied to the continuous aperture ferrite block. Thus electromagnetic energy traveling through the block and exiting the radiating surface is phase shifted, with respect to the energy entering the block, in a similar tapered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Raymond Tang, Joseph M. Hellums
  • Patent number: 4580140
    Abstract: A phased array lens antenna which includes a lens having two faces disposed ubstantially at a right angle to each other. Transmit-receive modules which include phase-shifters are shared between the two lens faces. Two lens antennas positioned in back-to-back relationship about a ship superstructure scan 360.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Theodore C. Cheston
  • Patent number: 4578680
    Abstract: A space fed microwave lens antenna for deployment in outer space or other remote, hazardous or unattended location. Electronic means are provided for compensating for errors in the mechanical displacement of the phased array feed elements from the phased array lens elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Randy L. Haupt
  • Patent number: 4573056
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave radiator is provided formed by a radiating element and its supply device, both formed from a dielectric plate with median longitudinal axis, metalized on one face along two parallel strips of total width d.sub.2, wherein the supply device is formed by a slot-line placed inside a metal parallelepipedic case. The radiating element may be of the dipole type. Such a wave radiator may be used as an elementary source for an electronic sweep network antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Thomson CSF
    Inventors: Michel Dudome, Albert Dupressoir
  • Patent number: 4571591
    Abstract: A bootlace microwave lens antenna has orthogonal delay lines for reducing adratic phase errors to improve focusing capability. The collector and radiator elements consist of mutually orthogonal pairs of subelements with one of the subelements oriented radially and the other oriented tangentially on the respective collector and radiator surfaces. Individual delay lines interconnect corresponding radial and tangential subelements on each surface thus allowing for phase corrections in the axial planes parallel to and perpendicular to the plane of scan by the introduction of an appropriate phase delay in each delay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Pasquale A. Valentino, John J. Stangel, Dwayne D. Donelin
  • Patent number: 4558324
    Abstract: Multibeam lens antennas are often circular, and utilize propagation in disk-shaped parallel-surface regions. There is phase correction through terms in .theta..sup.2, where .theta. is the angle of an aperture point measured from the boresight direction. In the new designs herein, the lens comprises two portions, each being two closely spaced plates with a dielectric medium between them. One portion is formed as a surface of revolution (cylindrical or conical) with two circular ends, one end being an aperture with element feedpoints coupled to array elements. The other portion is a cap joined to the other end of the first portion. The cap may be a disk or a segment of a sphere. The dimensions and indices of refraction are selected to provide focus points for feed ports, with each focus being for a specific beam direction. The parameters may be selected so that the focus points are within the cap, at the periphery of the cap, or at the aperture. Some of the new designs have phase correction through .theta..sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Roger E. Clapp
  • Patent number: 4552151
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and means for rapid microwave imaging using UHF waves transmitted by an antenna toward a body to be scanned. According to the invention, body O to be scanned is placed in front of a transmitting antenna A and various signals forming the various points of the image are analyzed in a collector-unit RC consisting of a diode-conductor panel 1 and a wave-guide stack 2 and are then transmitted to a receiver R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Societe d'Etude du Radant
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Bolomey, Yves Michel
  • Patent number: 4531129
    Abstract: A multiple-feed Luneberg lens scanning antenna system. A Luneberg lens disposed for rotation. A first antenna feed is connected to and defines a first feed point on the surface of the lens. A plurality of second antenna feeds are respectively connected to and define a plurality of second feed points outside and closely adjacent the periphery of the lens. Supporting structure separately supports each of the second feeds at positions independent of the rotation of the lens. A drive system is coupled to the supporting structure for separately positioning each of the second feeds. The drive system also is coupled to the lens for rotating the lens to cause the first feed point to scan over a wide angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Bonebright, Everett C. Mehner
  • Patent number: 4531126
    Abstract: The invention refers to the analysis of a very high frequency radiation beam of electromagnetic waves. According to the invention, a network of conductor wires is placed in the path of a beam to be analyzed, the wires being interrupted at intervals by switches. One controls the conducting state of a diode and one blocks the others and one makes the position of the diode vary electronically and sequentially in the conducting state. The return signal received on a sensor R is used by detecting the significant characteristics of that return according to the position of the diodes in the conducting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude du Radant
    Inventor: Henri Sadones
  • Patent number: 4523198
    Abstract: Multiple beam antennas are modified and improved through the use of lenses coupled together by hybrid junctions. A dual lens structure avoids circulators while permitting the lenses to be used both for transmission and for reception. A six lens structure provides perfect phase focusing utilizing an R-2R geometry with a Mobius topology, giving 360 degrees of independent antenna beams from a single circular or cylindrical antenna array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Roger E. Clapp
  • Patent number: 4518966
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive spatial microwave filter for multipolarized antennas and the process of its application. According to the invention, the filter principally consists of two conjugated networks of lines L.sub.1, l.sub.1 ; L.sub.2, l.sub.2 ; . . . of sections of wires loaded with diodes D mounted in series and essentially symmetrically superposed. The lines are passed through by polarizing currents I.sub.1, I.sub.2 . . . which according to selected distribution enables attenuation at reception of certain secondary lobes of the antenna pattern. The invention applies in particular to the localization and neutralization of jammers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude du Radant
    Inventor: Henri Sadones
  • Patent number: 4509055
    Abstract: A space fed antenna with a folded path to reduce the distance between a phased array and the focal point of such array is shown to be made up of: (a) a first plurality of vertically polarized antenna elements incorporated in the phased array; (b) a second plurality of cross-polarized antenna elements disposed to form a polarization-twisting screen at a distance from the first plurality of vertically polarized antenna elements equal to one-third the focal length of such elements; and (c) a third plurality of latching circulators connected between selected pairs of cross-polarized antenna elements in the polarization-twisting screen so that such pairs also may function as a feed array for the space fed antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Matthew Fassett
  • Patent number: 4507662
    Abstract: A scannable antenna having a radiating array of antenna elements correspondingly coupled, through equal line lengths, to a more closely spaced array of antenna elements positioned in a space coupling region. A feed array of antenna elements, with spacings substantially equal to the spacing in the radiating array and substantially of the same physical size as the more closely spaced array, is positioned in the space coupling region in close proximity, no more than a wave length away, to the more closely spaced array. The feed array is coupled to a distribution network which provides desired phase and amplitude aperture distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Rothenberg, John J. Stangel, Pasquale A. Valentino
  • Patent number: 4499473
    Abstract: An improved dome antenna system wherein compensation for cross polarized signal components in a received difference pattern of the feed array of the system is accomplished with a second array cross polarized to the feed array. This second array is density tapered to establish an aperture distribution function that is substantially equal to the aperture distribution function of the feed array. Weighting factors, programmed as a function of the boresight scan angle, are applied to the output signals of this second array and the weighted signals are subtracted from the difference signals of the feed array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Basrur R. Rao
  • Patent number: 4491845
    Abstract: An antenna assembly configured by the combination of the high forward gain of a conventional planar phased array antenna with the wide angle scanning capability of a dome antenna. The invention includes an optically fed phased array, which may be structurally configured similar to a conventional lens array, but comprises a reflection/transmission switch and an electronic phase shifter at each radiating element. The switches facilitate operation of the phased array in two distinct modes; when the switches are set for the transmission mode, the phased array operates substantially as a conventional lens array to scan a .+-.60.degree. conical sector; when the switches are set for the reflection mode, the phased array behaves like a reflect array to scan an additional .+-.60.degree. to .+-.120.degree. sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Carl Rothenberg
  • Patent number: 4490723
    Abstract: An antenna system is provided for producing a plurality of differently directed beams of electromagnetic energy, each one of such beams being associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of beam ports, each one of such beams being produced from a common array of antenna elements. The antenna system includes a radar frequency energy lens assembly having a plurality of array ports coupled to the plurality of antenna elements. The lens assembly includes a radio frequency lens having a plurality of lens ports disposed about peripheral portions thereof. Each one of a first portion of such plurality of lens ports is coupled to a corresponding one of the antenna elements through a corresponding one of the array ports and each one of a second, opposing portion of the plurality of lens ports being coupled to a corresponding one of the beam ports. Each one of the lens ports in one of the portions thereof includes a pair of tapered feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: George S. Hardie, Raphael Hernandez, Michael J. Maybell
  • Patent number: 4488156
    Abstract: An antenna of the geodesic lens type is disclosed. The antenna structure is based on optical principles and provides wide angle scanning of a narrow base. The exact shape of the domed structure is found by solving an integral equation and results in nearly perfect focus in the scan plane. A dielectric loaded flared horn is attached to the feed circle of the domed structure and focusses energy in the plane orthogonal to the scan plane. The cross sectional shape of the outer curvature of the dielectric is elliptical. Since the structure is circularly symmetrical, constant beam shape, wide angle scanning, and a rapid scan rate are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Edward C. DuFort, Harold A. Uyeda
  • Patent number: 4480254
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically steering a radio frequency signal beam (RF) along at least one of "X" and/or "Y" coordinates with respect to the axis of the signal beam (RF) and comprising n pairs of back-to-back prisms (20, 21) formed of ferroelectric dielectric material such, for example, as BaTiO.sub.3, LiNbO.sub.3, LiTaO.sub.3, Bi.sub.12 SiO.sub.20 (BSO) and Bi.sub.12 GeO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Spencer, John L. Fitch
  • Patent number: 4471359
    Abstract: A dual band mirror antenna employing a continuous mirror without a hole. e-by-side feeds for each band and an electromagnetic lens, located behind a rotatable twist reflector (the mirror), collimate beams toward a pair of polarized reflectors located near the twist reflector and tilted to aim the reflected energy toward the twist reflector. One polarized reflector is reflective at the higher radiofrequency band and transparent at the lower radiofrequency band. The other polarized reflector is reflective at both bands. Energy directed back toward the polarized reflectors from the twist reflector passes through the polarized reflectors to free space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Dean D. Howard
  • Patent number: 4460897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a phased array antenna system which transmits a local oscillator signal in a scanable spotbeam from a first array of feed elements (12.sub.l -12.sub.m) via a reflector or lens (16) and a frequency diplexing means (18) to a second array of feed elements (20.sub.l -20.sub.n) disposed on the image plane of the first array of feed elements. A message signal in a second beam also impinging the frequency diplexing means from a separate direction is also received at the second array of feed elements. The message signal and the local oscillator signal concurrently received at each of the feed elements of the second array are mixed in individual mixers and the output of each mixer can be reradiated for transmission to a remote receiver or combined with the outputs of the other mixers for use by a local receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Gans
  • Patent number: 4458249
    Abstract: The novel multi-beam multi-lens antenna of the present invention provides multi-beam coverage over a hemisphere or greater three-dimensional spatial coverage region. In its simplest configuration, the antenna comprises two microwave lenses whose design is integrated to minimize path length errors and aberrations for beams over a 360.degree. azimuth coverage range. The antenna comprises a 3-D focal ring bootlace first microwave lens that is a figure of revolution and a non-planar dome second microwave lens which provides the refractive properties necessary to obtain the hemispheric coverage while providing additional degrees of freedom necessary to reduce errors and aberrations of the lens system to within acceptable levels. Both lenses are time delay lenses to effect broadband operation and are circularly symmetric. This symmetry results in antenna performance that is invariant with azimuth beam position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Pasquale A. Valentino, John J. Stangel
  • Patent number: 4456913
    Abstract: A dome antenna with cross polarization compensation for reducing cross polarization induced monopulse tracking errors controls the polarization at the elements of the feed array to reduce the cross-polarization component in a far field radiation pattern of the antenna. Cross-polarization components at each element in the feed array for a linearly polarized plane wave incident at a predetermined direction to the dome are determined and each element is oriented to be polarized orthogonally to the cross-polarized component at that element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventors: B. Rama Rao, Leon Susman
  • Patent number: 4447815
    Abstract: An electrically controlled lens for electronic scanning of a beam emitted by a microwave source in a plane parallel to the electrical field of the emitted radiation comprising individual phase-shifter panels, linked and controlled to give the intercepted microwave radiation a 0.degree.-360.degree. phase shift in the direction of the electrical field vector of the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude du Radant
    Inventors: Claude D. Chekroun, Yves C. Michel
  • Patent number: 4415901
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low power, beam switchable, antenna comprising a focusing reflector (14), a plurality of feedhorns (10.sub.1 -10.sub.N) disposed on a surface (.SIGMA.) adjacent the focal surface of the focusing reflector, and an amplifying array (20, 24, 28) disposed in the aperture of the focusing reflector. A spherical wavefront launched by a feedhorn is reflected by the focusing reflector into a first planar wavefront which is intercepted by the amplifying array using a planar array of first feed elements (20.sub.1 -20.sub.X) disposed on a fourier transform surface (.SIGMA.') of the surface on which the feedhorns are disposed. The signal produced by each of the first feed elements associated with a first planar wavefront is separately amplified with an equal relative phase shift to the other associated intercepted signals and reradiated in a second planar wavefront by a planar array of second feed elements (28.sub.1 -28.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Gans
  • Patent number: 4382261
    Abstract: A millimeter wave line scanner is disclosed providing steered fan-shaped ms from opposite faces at substantially equal angles of a semiconductor waveguide, rectangular in cross section, and having a plurality of equally spaced metallic perturbations or strips disposed on one of the two radiating sides or faces. Different angles of scan are selectively obtained by means of at least one distributed longitudinal PIN diode formed on an adjoining side of the semiconductor waveguide having electrical circuit means coupled thereto for controlling the diode's conductivity which acts to change the guide wavelength and accordingly cause a variation in radiation angle of the two equal beams radiating from opposite faces. The waveguide with one or more PIN diodes may also be used as a phase shifter. To reduce losses, a dielectric insulating layer is disposed between each PIN diode and the waveguide, which prevents the propagation of the wave into the PIN diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Elmer Freibergs, Robert E. Horn, Harold Jacobs
  • Patent number: 4381509
    Abstract: The bandwidth limitation in space fed phased arrays (that results from the use of phase shifters to implement beam steering) is overcome by a lens arrangement in which independent feeds are provided at the focal plane of the lens. Each feed generates a collimated beam in a different spatial direction. Each beam can then be steered about its central position by means of phase shifters, while retaining a substantially improved bandwidth. An algorithm is derived for designing three-dimensional (3D) microwave lenses with line source feeds by stacking a number of identical two-dimensional (2D) parallel-plate, wide-angle constrained lenses into a cylindrical antenna structure. This lens design provides focused beams over a wide range of scan angles in both elevation and azimuth with only small optical aberration. A wide variety of lens designs can be achieved through this algorithm, dependent upon the constraints which are selected for the 2D lens counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Walter Rotman, Peter R. Franchi
  • Patent number: 4361841
    Abstract: A lens antenna of Luneberg type comprising a disc-shaped dielectric element having a radially varying diffraction index and bounded on both major sides by conductive metal plates. The antenna is preferably adapted for transmission of a wave which is polarized in an angle of 45.degree. relative to the plane of the lens element and is characterized in that the distance between the conductive plates and the lens element is filled with air or a dielectric having a corresponding dielectric constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Knut E. Cassel, Bengt T. Molin
  • Patent number: 4359738
    Abstract: An improved antenna and interference-cancelling system for improving signal ampling, particularly in side-lobe canceller system operating in a multiple-interference-source environment. An antenna is constructed as a circularly symmetric lens having loosely coupled feed elements disposed around the periphery of the lens. Each feed element acts as a high-azimuth-gain antenna which permits signal reception from all directions. The lens, when connected to couple the receiving feed elements to a side-lobe canceller, permits the canceller to discriminate against clutter and scattered signals and resolve interference sources in angle so that all canceller loops do not receive signals from all other interference sources, while still providing interference samples from all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bernard L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4359741
    Abstract: An antenna, preferably operating in the microwave range, comprising a Luneberg lens with a disc having a radially varying refraction index and provided with feeders distributed around the circumference. Each feeder has the shape of a thin wire the projection of which, as seen radially relative to the center of the round disc, forms a straight line inclined 45.degree. against the plane of the disc. All feeders are inclined in the same direction in their respective radial planes, whereby the feeders opposite a respective feeder will be oriented substantially perpendicular to the feeder permitting passage of radiation to and from the feeder. All of the feeders can be active simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Knut E. Cassel
  • Patent number: 4358771
    Abstract: A number of planar diplexers which intersect a beam radiated from a primary projector at respectively predetermined angles, which are separated from the projector and from each other, are provided with respectively predetermined conductor patterns. The diplexers are arranged successively in a frame together with the primary projector, whereby various radiation patterns can be formed by different combinations of a number of beams which are reflected respectively by the planar diplexers at respectively predetermined rates. As a result, a power distribution type antenna having a small and simple structure adapted for multipurpose and multifunction applications, particularly for installation on a communication satellite, based on the portability and the ease of assembling thereof, can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Yamagata University
    Inventor: Kou-Chang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4356497
    Abstract: Non-dispersive array antenna of the prism array type in which the primary dispersive input array and the secondary output array include an acute angle .alpha. between each other, made of a piling up of non-dispersive, monodimensional array antennas, in each of which the propagation between said arrays is guided.Application to electronic scanning antennas of the prism array type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventor: Michel Dudome
  • Patent number: 4348678
    Abstract: A radio frequency energy antenna system for directing a collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space over relatively wide scan angles. The antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements disposed along a curved path for producing a directed, noncollimated beam of radio frequency energy and a radio frequency lens disposed between the antenna elements and free space for collimating the radio frequency energy in the directed, noncollimated beam to produce the collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space. The arrangement of the antenna elements along a curved path produces an amplitude distribution across the collimated beam wavefront which is substantially uniform. A second radio frequency lens has a plurality of array ports coupled to the plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of feed ports, each one being associated with a corresponding collimated beam of radio frequency energy in free space. With such lens the antenna has a relatively wide operating bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: David T. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4345256
    Abstract: A steerable directional antenna assembly steerable about two perpendicular axes is disclosed. It comprises a directional horn antenna rotatably mounted on a horseshoe gimbal to rotate about a first axis. A curved wave guide feed is connected at one end to the feed portion of the directional antenna. The wave guide feed is disposed such that its center of curvature is located on the first axis of rotation. The curved wave guide has a circumferential slot in its outer side, the slot communicating between the ambient atmosphere and the wave guide interior. The gimbal and directional antenna are rotatably connected to a pedestal which is enabled to rotate the gimbal and directional antenna about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The antenna assembly further comprises a coaxial feed line which passes through an opening in the pedestal and is fixed to the pedestal. The outer conductor of the coaxial feed line is stripped away from one end of the line to expose the center conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Rainwater
  • Patent number: 4344077
    Abstract: Process to attenuate or cancel certain side lobes of a microwave antenna pattern by using a network of parallel wires loaded with resistances that are adjustable at will, arranged as a filter in front of the antenna.Application of this process to the elimination of the effects of active or passive interferences, as well as to the localization of jammers.Adaptive filter for microwave antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude du Radant
    Inventors: Claude Chekroun, Yves C. Michel, Henri Sadones
  • Patent number: 4338607
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conically scanning antenna emitting a beam of radiation which is modulated in phase but not in amplitude. In certain embodiments the antenna comprises a source of radiation including a horn illuminating a reflector, the horn being either inclined to the reflector axis or juxtaposed with a prism imparting such inclination to its direction of maximum radiation. The inclined horn or the prism is rotated about the axis by drive means supplying a reference scanning signal to a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventor: Serge Drabowitch
  • Patent number: 4333082
    Abstract: A dome antenna including a dome of solid dielectric material and scannable feed array positioned in the base plane thereof. The dielectric material of the dome constructed to provide a dielectric constant that varies with the perpendicular distance from the base plane. Rays emanating from the base plane are continuously refracted within the dome and refracted at the surface thereof, the interface with free space, to accomplish sufficient a scan angle amplification for scanning beam to the horizon and below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Leon Susman