Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to diversity receive systems and methods. An antenna system may comprise a reflector and a plurality of feed antennas configured to receive a wireless signal from a common source with directional diversity. A receive system may comprise such antenna system in combination with a plurality of receivers and/or demodulators, and in combination with a combiner and/or controller.

Abstract: System for positioning a reflector includes a base (112), yoke (104) and a reflector in the form of a lens mirror assembly (10). A motor (120) is mounted and remains substantially stationary with respect to rotation about a first axis while the yoke rotates about the first axis. A connecting rod (152) actuated for movement by the motor is mechanically coupled to the reflector so that movement of the connecting rod in relation to the yoke imparts rotation to the reflector about the second axis when the reflector is supported by the yoke. A mechanical drive system couples an output shaft of the motor to the connecting rod. The mechanical drive system is arranged so that it varies an angular position of the reflector at a rate which is linearly related to the rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A tri-column antenna array architecture, containing a plurality of active radiating elements that are spatially arranged on a modified reflector structure is disclosed. Radiating elements disposed along (P1 and P2) outlying center lines are movable and provided with compensating radio frequency feed line phase shifters so as to provide broad range of beam width angle variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.

Abstract: An alignment device provides position information for an antenna coupled to an extendable tower. The alignment device can provide position data including pitch data, roll data, and azimuth data. The position data can be collected at multiple times, and reported to a remote computing device. The position data can be reported as the raw measured data, a delta between two sets of position data, or other data. The alignment device may be solar powered and include a transceiver client for communicating with a remote computing device via a transceiver server.

Abstract: A portable motorized satellite television antenna system is connectable to a separate receiver. The satellite television antenna system can include an enclosure with at least a portion thereof comprising an electromagnetic wave permeable material. A reflector dish can be disposed inside of the enclosure. A low noise block converter can be disposed inside of the enclosure and configured to receive incoming satellite television signals. A first drive motor can be coupled to the satellite television antenna system such that at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation of the dish can be adjusted. An electronic control system disposed inside of the enclosure and connected to the first drive motor to control automated aiming of the dish. The electronic control system and first drive motor can be powered solely by the separate receiver though a single conduit that spans between the satellite antenna system and the receiver.

Abstract: A mobile-beam antenna mounting comprises a supporting base, at least one reflector and a transmission and/or reception feed. The feed is mounted in the mounting so as to be immobile relative to the supporting base and the mounting also comprises a mobile support bearing the reflector, the mobile support being mounted on the supporting base with link means suitable for displacing it about at least one fixed displacement axis passing through the phase center of the feed.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile satellite communication terminal system including a transmit/receive sub-system. The transmit/receive sub-system includes an antenna dish, a feed boom assembly, and a power supply unit having a first power input adapted to receive alternating current power and a second power input adapted to receive direct current power. The power supply unit is able to operate on either alternating current or direct current for supplying power to the transmit/receive sub-system. The power supply unit is received in a grip case. A transport container is provided. The antenna dish, the feed boom assembly, and the grip case are received in the transport container.

Abstract: A reconfigurable reflector for electromagnetic waves, comprising: a rigid support element (10) having a front surface (13); an elastically deformable reflective membrane (30) lying over the front surface of said rigid support element; and a plurality of linear actuators (20) for deforming said reflective membrane by operating on predetermined points thereof; wherein said linear actuators are embedded within said rigid support element, and have shafts (22) protruding by the front surface thereof for operating on predetermined points of said elastically deformable reflective membrane. Preferably, the rigid support element comprises a reflector dish having a sandwich structure having a honeycomb core (11) made of CFRP or aluminum, in which the linear actuators are embedded by conventional potting techniques. Antenna system comprising such a reconfigurable reflector, possibly operating as a subreflector (SR), and spacecraft telecommunication.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus which has the centroid close to a base and which has a less constraint for placement of a counter weight. The antenna apparatus includes a base fixed to a moving object or a structural object, an antenna unit disposed at a side of the base and supported by the base, and a counter weight unit disposed at a side of the base opposite to the antenna unit and supported by the base.

Abstract: Devices and systems, and methods of using them, for point-to-point transmission/communication of high bandwidth signals. Radio devices and systems may include a pair of reflectors (e.g., parabolic reflectors) that are adjacent to each other and configured so that one of the reflectors is dedicated for sending/transmitting information, and the adjacent reflector is dedicated for receiving information. Both reflectors may be in a fixed configuration relative to each other so that they are aligned to send/receive in parallel. In many variations the two reflectors are formed of a single housing, so that the parallel alignment is fixed, and reflectors cannot lose alignment. The device/systems may be configured to allow switching between duplexing modes. These devices/systems may be configured as wide bandwidth zero intermediate frequency radios including alignment modules for automatic alignment of in-phase and quadrature components of transmitted signals.

Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal to achieve dynamic antenna performance is disclosed. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize one or more liquid metal sections that can be variably displaced. Utilizing liquid metal may reduce certain undesirable effects associated with more conventional mechanical reconfigurable antennas including mechanical failure due to material fatigue, creep, and/or wear. Precise microfluidic techniques may be utilized in the design of a reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize a circular Yagi-Uda array design and include movable parasitic director and reflector elements implemented using liquid metal (e.g., mercury (Hg)). The parasitic elements may be placed and rotated in a circular microfluidic channel around a driven antenna element utilizing a flow generated and controlled by a piezoelectric micropump.

Abstract: The satellite television antenna device receives a set of desired satellite identifications (IDs) from a set top box (STB). The antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification of the satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if ID is possible. Then, if the candidate was identifiable, the antenna system compares the candidate's ID to the set of desired satellite IDs. If the candidate ID is a member of the set, then the satellite antenna's dish orientation is stored in memory. The antenna then attempts to acquire the remaining members of the set of desired satellite IDs until all members are acquired or no further candidates remain. If the candidate is not identifiable, or not a member of the set, then the antenna proceeds to the next satellite candidate.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus configured to be mounted to a radar array antenna having a generally planar face for aligning the antenna includes a rigid frame defining a plane generally parallel to the face of the antenna when the rigid frame is mounted to the antenna. A flexible member is associated with the rigid frame and is configured to flex relative to the rigid frame. The apparatus further includes an optical source for emitting a light beam and a target. One of the optical source and the target is associated with the flexible member and the other of the optical source and the target is associated with the rigid frame. A distance between the path of the light beam and the target is indicative of the degree of misalignment between the flexible member and the rigid frame.

Abstract: A reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal to achieve dynamic antenna performance is disclosed. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize one or more liquid metal sections that can be variably displaced. Utilizing liquid metal may reduce certain undesirable effects associated with more conventional mechanical reconfigurable antennas including mechanical failure due to material fatigue, creep, and/or wear. Precise microfluidic techniques may be utilized in the design of a reconfigurable antenna that utilizes liquid metal. The reconfigurable antenna may utilize a circular Yagi-Uda array design and include movable parasitic director and reflector elements implemented using liquid metal (e.g., mercury (Hg)). The parasitic elements may be placed and rotated in a circular microfluidic channel around a driven antenna element utilizing a flow generated and controlled by a piezoelectric micropump.

Abstract: A rotatable reflector antenna system that supports on-the-move communications to and from a mobile land, airborne, or maritime vehicle with a remote communication device, such as a geostationary satellite. The antenna system can include a pillbox antenna, a line feed antenna, or an array of horn antennas that convey electromagnetic waves between a transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) and a reflector. The reflector may be embodied as a singly curved, parabolic cylinder reflector coupled to support members in a manner that enables the reflector to rotate with respect to the antenna. The reflector can rotate in a first direction, such as an elevation rotation, and the entire antenna system including the reflector can be mounted to a turntable or other rotatable platform that rotates in a second direction, such as an azimuth rotation.

Abstract: A steerable antenna architecture, or configuration, for optimal steering of transmitting and/or receiving beam over wide scan angles, is capable of steering the beam on a full hemisphere (2 ? steradians), with no singularity or key-hole within a coverage area and with only one RF rotary joint. The architecture includes a dual-reflector assembly defining an antenna focal point located close to a main reflector surface and a signal feed chain having a signal source located adjacent to the antenna focal point and defining a feed axis substantially pointing towards a sub-reflector intersection point. A first actuator rotates the feed chain and the dual-reflector assembly about a first rotation axis generally perpendicular to the feed axis and not intersecting with the coverage area. A second actuator rotates one of the main reflector and the dual-reflector assembly about a second rotation axis aligned with the feed axis.

Abstract: A fringe-effect vault antenna includes a communications vault having a non-conductive cover disposed substantially at ground level. An antenna element is positioned in the communications vault. A metallic reflector has an edge, positioned substantially parallel to the ground, where the metallic reflector and the edge are configured to cause an edge diffraction, or “fringe-effect” upon the RF fields of the antenna to cause those RF fields to diffract in a direction toward the ground.

Abstract: A mission-flexibility antenna includes a reflector and at least a first source and a second source of radiofrequency signals, which sources are arranged in front of the reflector, the reflector having a focal point and each source having a phase center, and wherein the sources are independent, fixed and connected to separate radiofrequency feed systems defining different and predefined polarization and/or operating frequency characteristics, and in that it additionally includes means of displacement and orientation of the reflector from a first position in which the focal point of the reflector is placed at the phase center of the first source to a second position in which the focal point of the reflector is placed at the phase center of the second source.

Abstract: A radio communication system according to the present invention includes a scatterer configured to reflect, refract, or transmit a radio wave radiated primarily from a transmission side apparatus to radiate the radio wave secondarily to a desired area and a metamaterial is used for the scatterer.

Abstract: A variably controlled stagger antenna array architecture is disclosed. The array employs a plurality of driven radiating elements that are spatially arranged having each radiating element or element groups orthogonally movable relative to a main vertical axis. This provides a controlled variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern without excessive side lobe radiation over full range of settings.

Abstract: An apparatus for satellite communication may include a reflector configured to redirect electromagnetic energy. Each of multiple feeds may be positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the reflector. A feed-switching mechanism may be configured to selectively activate for use at least one of the multiple feeds. A steering mechanism may be configured to steer the reflector such that a focal point of the reflector approximately coincides with a position of an activated feed of the multiple feeds. The reflector may be mechanically independent of the plurality of feeds and the feed-switching mechanism.

Abstract: The housing of a portable radar unit includes features for providing positioning of auxiliary handles between a first position and a second position, in which: the first position places the auxiliary handles in a position to act as handgrips in conjunction with integral handles and the second position places the auxiliary handles at an angle to the integral handles, so that the radar unit can be held with one hand and supported by a forearm of the same hand. Rotation of each auxiliary handle about a pivot moves the auxiliary handle between the first position and the second position; and a friction mechanism resists the rotation so that the auxiliary handle tends to stay in position until purposefully moved. The housing also includes internal space for housing a radar antenna, a reflector, and a mechanism for adjusting distance between the reflector and the antenna for tuning performance of the antenna.

Abstract: A multiple-reflector antenna for telecommunications satellites including a shaft, to which are attached at least two sub-reflectors, rotating in relation to a load-bearing structure, and a motor including a rotor able to drive the shaft in rotation, and a stator attached to the load-bearing structure, wherein the multiple-reflector antenna also includes two bearings enabling the shaft to rotate in relation to the load-bearing structure, a torsionally rigid mechanical filter placed between the shaft and the rotor, enabling the rotor to transmit the rotational movement to the shaft, and able to dampen the stresses generated by the shaft on the motor, and locking means able to hold the angular position of the shaft in relation to the load-bearing structure.

Abstract: A tri-column antenna array architecture, containing a plurality of active radiating elements that are spatially arranged on a modified reflector structure is disclosed. Radiating elements disposed along (P1 and P2) outlying center lines are movable and provided with compensating radio frequency feed line phase shifters so as to provide broad range of beam width angle variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.

Abstract: A reflector assembly implementable in a scanning antenna assembly having a stationary surface includes a support assembly coupled to the stationary surface, a substantially planar first reflector panel coupled to the support assembly so as to enable rotation of the first reflector panel about a central axis of the first reflector panel, and an actuator assembly comprising a translating arm coupled to the first reflector panel, wherein translational motion of the arm is operable to rotate the first reflector panel about the central axis back and forth through a predetermined angular range at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception and transmission of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector having a reflective surface defining an image focus for a Ka band frequency signal and a prime focus for a Ku band frequency signal.

Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a configurable ground plane for a matched antenna so that by configuring or changing the ground plane shape in a controlled manner, a change in the radiation pattern can be achieved such that the main beam of the antenna is steered in a particular direction, and a null in another direction. According to one aspect of the present invention, antennas such as monopole or patch antennas with a configurable ground plane of the present invention with a plurality of configurable sectors can be made to change in shape, size and conductivity. Such ground plane modifications can be used to select the direction of maximum gain away from a direction of interference, such in the case of tactical jamming. Likewise, the ground plane modifications can be used to steer the maximum directivity of an antenna in a desired direction for increased signal integrity.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for the provision of an antenna reflector which is provided in the form of a substantially circular parabolic dish provided to receive and/or transmit signals over known frequency ranges. The reflector can be moved between storage and in-use positions by the movement of segments of the reflector manually, but more typically by drive means connected thereto. The apparatus can also be provided with alignment means which allow the reflector to be positioned to receive signals from a known satellite when at a particular known location. The invention allows the use of a reflector to be achieved quickly and efficiently in potentially hazardous geographical locations.

Abstract: An antenna adapted for wireless networks and having a variably controlled stagger antenna array architecture is disclosed. The antenna array contains a plurality of driven radiating elements that are spatially arranged having each radiating element or element groups orthogonally movable relative to a main vertical axis so as to provide a controlled variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a reflector having a focal plane, a first feed element located along the focal plane that illuminates the reflector to create a first contour beam at a first frequency and a second feed element located further from the reflector than the first feed element that illuminates the reflector to create a first spot beam at a second frequency, the second frequency being different than the first frequency.

Abstract: An antenna for communicating with a satellite from a moving vehicle. The antenna comprises a transmitter for generating a transmission signal, main and sub reflectors, and a waveguide associated with the transmitter for conducting the transmission signal toward the sub reflector. The sub reflector is configured for redirecting the transmission signal toward the main reflector; the main reflector is configured for projecting the redirected transmission signal as an antenna beam toward the satellite.

Abstract: A millimetric wave imaging device includes: a lens antenna; a polygon mirror; a receiving portion; a scanning unit; and an image data generating unit. The receiving portion receives millimetric wave radiated from an object, transmitted through the lens antenna, and reflected on a mirror surface of the polygon mirror rotated by the scanning unit to detect a signal level of the millimetric wave. The image data generating unit generates image data representing an object image by receiving a detection signal from the receiving portion while driving the polygon mirror through the scanning unit.

Abstract: A system for accurate automatic satellite acquisition by a portable satellite terminal. The system includes a software program that coordinates inputs from several measurement aids to control antenna position. These aids include a GPS receiver, antenna azimuth, elevation and polarization angle sensors, and the terminal's modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, which contains a beacon detector also serving as Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). For satellite recognition, the spectral analysis and RSSI function are complemented by the lock/unlock indications provided by the modem and the DVB receiver. Under the control of the software program, the modem, DVB receiver and spectrum analyzer, in conjunction with an extensive database of satellites and their signal characteristics, provide the means for reliable validation of final alignment.

Abstract: A wireless local loop system is provided that includes a wireless base station that communicates with a subscriber station via a wireless link. The wireless link can carry a voice service, such as telephone calls, or a data service, such as internet browsing. The subscriber station includes a steerable antenna. A presently preferred steerable antenna for use with the subscriber station includes a driven element mounted on a base plane that is surrounded by a plurality of parasitic elements also mounted to the base plane. The parasitic elements can be optionally grounded or floated in order to reflect the wireless link towards the driven element. The antenna can be oriented in a desired direction during the transception of a voice or data service. A method of transceiving between a wireless local loop subscriber station and a wireless local loop base station is also provided.

Abstract: An antenna is provided for GNSS and other applications and includes an adjustable-height vertical support PCB mounted on a ground plane and mounting a crossed-dipole radiating arm element assembly. The gain pattern of the antenna can be varied by constructing the vertical support PCB with different heights or adjusting the height and gain pattern in the field. Vehicles with significant pitch and roll can be provided with low-horizon tracking capability by providing a high-profile antenna configuration. Alternatively, low-profile configurations provide steeper gain pattern rolloff at the horizon for maximal multipath rejection and high accuracy. The droop angles of the radiating arm elements are also adjustable for varying the gain pattern and beamwidth. A matching and phasing network is connected to the radiating arm elements and provides a relatively constant input impedance for the various antenna configurations.

Abstract: An antenna array employing a combined azimuth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is disclosed. The system employs a dual purpose remotely controllable actuator. The actuator is used to adjust azimuth angle of the antenna array and radiation beam tilt of the same. An antenna array employing a combined azimuth, beamwidth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for positioning an antenna is disclosed. The system may include an antenna, a first substantially circular track, a base, and a first plurality of rollers. The first substantially circular track may be coupled with the antenna. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be coupled with the base. Each of the first plurality of rollers may be in contact with the first substantially circular track. Each of the first plurality of rollers may rotate when the first substantially circular track rotates.

Abstract: Dual reflector offset mechanical pointing low profile telecommunication antenna, to be used above all on vehicles, even high-speed ones. Its reduced physical dimensions facilitate its use, with respect to the known solutions, as it allows its connecting to the receiving system, such as a satellite, though installed on a train or on an aircraft. The invention lies within the technical field of telecommunications and the applicative field of stationary, movable antennas of reduced dimensions, and accordingly within that of telecommunications in general. The original dual reflector antenna is obtained from a second-order polynomial that configurates it in the Cartesian space XYZ.

Abstract: For two-dimensional imaging of scenes through continuous passive or active microwave scanning, use is made of a fully mechanized directional antenna array comprising a main reflector (1), a primary radiator array (3) and a subreflector (2) having a small size in comparison to the main reflector and being tilted relative to the optical axis (7) of the directional antenna array. First drive means (8) are operative to rotate the subreflector (2) about the optical axis (7), and second drive means (17,18) are operative to move the total directional antenna array in a direction approximately vertical to the optical axis (7). The moving speed of the subreflector (2) is very high in comparison to that of the total directional antenna array.

Abstract: A subreflector tracking method, apparatus and system incorporating sensor feedback of the precise subreflector angular position of a nutating subreflector. The subreflector nutation generated by coupling the subreflector, off center, to a rotating support. Monitoring of the received signal strength peak during a rotation of the subreflector generating an error vector designating a direction in which to move the subreflector to track the signal.

Abstract: This disclosure may relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for a phased array illuminated reflector dish RF antenna combining a phased array with a microwave reflector dish and using beam steering to align the antenna beam to maximize antenna performance. The phased array may be connected in communication with one of a transmitter, a receiver, and a transceiver. In various exemplary embodiments the phased array illuminated reflector dish RF antenna includes a boom arm supporting the microwave reflector dish and the phased array. In one exemplary embodiment, the phased array only communicates signals with a remote source of the signals via the microwave reflector dish (not directly). The RF antenna system may be configured to be rough pointed by mechanically aiming the RF antenna system, and the RF antenna system is configured to fine tune aim the beam of said RF antenna system by beam steering.

Abstract: A reflector network antenna (A) comprising i) a source (S) delivering wave signals; ii) at least two reflector networks (RR1-RR9) which are different and independent and which both comprise at least two phase shifter cells which selectively phase shift the waves delivered by the source (S) and bring about a selected frequency phase dispersion thereof, said selective phase shifting and selective dispersion varying from one reflector network to another; and iii) a charging device (DC) which is coupled to the reflector networks (RR1-RR9) and which is used to place one of them in a selected position in relation to the source (S) such that the waves that it delivers are phase shifted and phase dispersed at a frequency imposed by said phase shifter cells in order to be reflected in a selected direction.

Abstract: A fringe-effect vault antenna includes a communications vault having a non-conductive cover disposed substantially at ground level. An antenna element is positioned in the communications vault. A metallic reflector has an edge, positioned substantially parallel to the ground, where the metallic reflector and the edge are configured to cause an edge diffraction, or “fringe-effect” upon the RF fields of the antenna to cause those RF fields to diffract in a direction toward the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved antenna system on moving platform that is in communication with multiple satellites for simultaneous reception of RF energy at multiple frequencies. The antenna is implemented as a multi-beam, multi-band antenna having a main reflector with multiple feed horns and a sub-reflector to reflect Ku and Ka frequency band signals directed by a focal region of the main reflector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved compact antenna system with three degrees of freedom positioned on a moving platform to maintain orientation of the antenna for continuous tracking of a satellite. The system includes a cross-elevation sub-frame having two pivotal joints at each end to support an antenna reflector. The system also includes an azimuth sub-frame connected to the cross-elevation sub-frame. The system further includes a dome enclosing the reflector, cross-elevation sub-frame and the azimuth sub-frame The cross-elevation sub-frame is oriented at an angle substantially about a midpoint between the elevation angle ranges of axis of rotation for the reflector such that the reflector rotates at a point substantially to a center of the dome.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a dielectric substrate, an electric supply line that includes a microstrip line and is formed on the dielectric substrate, an antenna element that includes a microstrip line and is formed on the dielectric substrate, and a reflector plate disposed on the dielectric substrate at a predetermined angle of inclination. The reflector plate is allowed to move relative to the dielectric substrate while keeping the predetermined angle of inclination.

Abstract: An antenna for communicating with a satellite from a moving vehicle. The antenna comprises a transmitter for generating a transmission signal, main and sub reflectors, and a waveguide associated with the transmitter for conducting the transmission signal toward the sub reflector. The sub reflector is configured for redirecting the transmission signal toward the main reflector; the main reflector is configured for projecting the redirected transmission signal as an antenna beam toward the satellite.

Abstract: A thermal compensating subreflector tracking assembly for a reflector antenna and methods of use. The subreflector tracking assembly provided with a base, an intermediate support and a subreflector mount. The intermediate support coupled to the base, movable normal to the base and the subreflector mount coupled to the intermediate support, movable orthogonal to the intermediate support. The movement in the Z, Y and or Z-axis enabling electrical performance optimizing reflector antenna beam alignment and/or focus adjustments resulting from asymmetric thermal distortion of the reflector antenna.