Abstract: A device for controlling a satellite tracking antenna. An azimuth drive is configured to impart an azimuthal rotational motion to the antenna about an azimuth axis. An elevation axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about an elevation axis orthogonal to the azimuth axis. A tilt axis drive is configured to impart a rotational motion to the antenna about a tilt axis.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates receiving a terrestrial broadcast service from a transmitter. An antenna steering component can automatically maneuver a directional antenna with a 360 degree azimuth sweep in order to collect information related to a signal quality for a channel and a corresponding transmitter. An antenna system controller can ascertain an antenna azimuth for the directional antenna for each channel based upon the collected information, wherein the antenna azimuth corresponds to a position of the directional antenna that receives a level of reception from the transmitter.

Abstract: Antenna systems include adjustment mechanisms to adjust the position of dish antennas. The adjustment mechanism includes a clip, a bracket, and a cam mechanism. The clip is fixedly coupled to and projects outwardly from a mast. The bracket is pivotally coupled to the mast and is between the stationary clip and cam mechanism. The cam mechanism is pivotally coupled to the clip and positioned to rotate the bracket and the dish antenna as the cam mechanism rotates. The clip is made of a lightweight material to reduce the overall weight of the antenna system to enhance performance.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a satellite antenna of accurate and superfine adjustment and simple structure, includes a dish support, a supporting base, a connecting base, an X-direction fine adjusting mechanism and a Y-direction fine adjusting mechanism. The dish support couples to a dish of the satellite antenna. The supporting base couples to the antenna support. The connecting base connects between the dish support and the supporting base. The X-direction fine adjusting mechanism couples between the supporting base and the connecting base. The Y-direction fine adjusting mechanism couples between the connecting base and the dish support. The X-direction and Y-direction fine adjusting mechanisms respectively by means of the meshing relation between the gear and the row teeth to fine adjust, inducing the satellite antenna, relative to the antenna support, generate tiny range of motions along X and Y directions, respectively.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for adjusting the polarity of an antenna is disclosed. The system may include a spherical structure, at least one arm, and a coupling apparatus. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point and may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure, may include a second plurality of magnets, and may be coupled with the antenna. The coupling apparatus may be fixedly coupled with the antenna and rotatably coupled with the at least one arm. The coupling apparatus may include a third plurality of magnets, where at least a portion of the magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the coupling apparatus relative to the at least one arm.

Abstract: An antenna system and a method for communicating signals by a dual circularly polarized antenna system are provided. The antenna system includes a substantially straight microstrip segment and a plurality of substantially straight microstrip projections. The plurality of microstrip projections extend from the microstrip segment in pairs at a predetermined angle, wherein each microstrip projection of the pair of microstrip projections extends from substantially the same location on the microstrip segment. A first microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a first side of the microstrip segment and a second microstrip projection extends from the microstrip segment on a second side of the microstrip segment, such that the first and second microstrip projections at least one of emit and receive circularly polarized radiation in a first direction and circularly polarized radiation in a second direction simultaneously.

Abstract: Wireless systems and methods establish an optimal wireless communication link by efficiently positioning an antenna module to receive/transmit the most effective signal. An antenna module scans and rotates and receives data such as available networks and the qualities of received signals. Received networks are analyzed, recorded and mapped to antenna variables such as azimuth, elevation and polarity. Automatic or manual selection of a wireless network is based upon antenna variables, qualities of received network signals and predefined conditions. If desired, a more refined antenna position is obtained by the addition of spiral antenna rotations and additional recordings of received data are mapped to antenna elevation, azimuth and polarity. In the event the measured effective signal reception diminishes, the center destination of the spiral path shifts and the process repeats until the highest effective signal reception is found.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for rotating a parabolic antenna about a central point is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface and may also be coupled with the support member. The spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about the central point. The spherical structure may include a first plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be in proximity to the spherical structure and may also include a second plurality of magnets. The at least one arm may be coupled with the parabolic antenna, and at least a portion of the magnets in either one of, or both of, the first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets may be configured to be selectively activated to rotate the arms about the central point.

Abstract: A movable portion of an array of antenna elements receives RF signals. A movable ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter is connected to each antenna element, via a RF to UWB converter. A fixed portion of the antenna array is separated from the movable portion by an air gap. The fixed portion includes one fixed UWB receiver for each movable UWB transmitter. An application system is connected to the fixed UWB receivers. The UWB signals from the movable transmitter are sent across the air gap to the fixed UWB receivers to be processed by the application system as the movable portion rotates.

Abstract: An actuation system which implements a three-dimensional rectilinear guide with high rectilinear features and it provides stability and stiffness to the moved object by supporting it in a not operating initial phase, particularly suitable to the translation of reflectors for satellite antennas along a predetermined axis in order to obtain the zooming effect thereof on the radiation diagram of the antenna itself.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a distributed array of antenna elements for receiving a radio frequency signal on a satellite communications link, wherein the radio frequency signal includes a known preamble; a plurality of mixers for translating the radio frequency signal to a plurality of baseband signals having in-phase and quadrature components; a processor for applying weights to the baseband signals, wherein the weights are found adaptively in response to the preamble in combination with decision-directed feedback when the preamble is not present; and a receiver for processing the weighted baseband signals. A pre-processor can be used to create sub-arrays of the antenna elements using maximal-ratio weighting. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid antenna system for providing a communication service or/and a satellite broadcasting receiving service by coarsely tracking a target satellite in a mechanical fashion and finely tracking the target satellite in an electrical fashion is disclosed. The hybrid antenna system includes: a rotatory unit for tracking a satellite direction using a mechanical movement including a rotating motion and an electron beam tracking function and transmitting/receiving a multi-band frequency from a satellite through a free space; a stationary unit for communicating to an external terminal and/or transmitting and receiving a broadcasting signal from/to the external terminal; and a stabilizing unit for connecting the rotatory unit to the stationary unit, and driving and controlling the rotatory unit in mechanical fashion and electrical fashion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the multiple antennas are cooperated in the system to provide simultaneous communication with multiple remote sites. Embodiments comprises a first variable inclined continuous transverse stub (VICTS) antenna that comprises a perimeter and an inactive region within the perimeter, a second VICTS antenna positioned at the inactive region of the first antenna, a first antenna control that steers the first antenna, and a second antenna control that steers the second antenna independent of the first antenna. In some embodiment, an antenna system is provided that comprises a first turntable having a perimeter, a first antenna having a perimeter, where the first antenna is secured on a first surface of the first turntable, a second antenna positioned proximate the first antenna and extending within the perimeter of the first turntable, where the second antenna is steerable independent of the first antenna.

Abstract: An antenna orientation sensor, having a base, a pivoting support coupled to the base. An actuator operable to move the pivoting support through a calibration movement with respect to the base. A, for example, three axis magnetic sensor on the pivoting support and a position sensor operable to sense the position of the pivoting support within the calibration movement.

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: A positioning, communication, and detection system designed to provide a three dimensional location of an object, navigation tools, and bidirectional surface-to-subsurface communications, and methods of using the system. The system can include one or multiple transmitters comprising electromagnetic beacons, software defined radio receivers with an associated processing unit and data acquisition system, and magnetic antennas. The system may use theoretical calculations, scale model testing, signal processing, and sensor data.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning an antenna to a desired heading. A laser beam is generated and aimed in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading. The line of sight of the laser is translated along the desired heading until the laser is directed to a reflective surface on the antenna's axis of transmission. The antenna is then positioned until the laser beam returns to a detector whose horizontal line of sight is the same as that of the laser, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual frequency and circularly polarized microstrip antenna with a ground plane, a mid layer above the ground plane with a parasitically driven resonant mid patch (for transmissions at a second frequency), a top layer with a directly driven patch parasitically driving the mid patch (for transmissions at a first frequency), and parasitic elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a high speed wireless communication system are disclosed. The high speed wireless links are accomplished using relatively narrow beams (<1°). These beams are produced using rotational motion at a base station in the center of a cell. In one embodiment of the invention, a radio and an antenna are mounted on a rotating element attached to a vertical mast. In another embodiment, a rotating mirror is employed to produce reflected beams. The present invention may be implemented using the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and/or 92-95 GHz frequency bands.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the multiple antennas are cooperated in the system to provide simultaneous communication with multiple remote sites. Embodiments comprises a first variable inclined continuous transverse stub (VICTS) antenna that comprises a perimeter and an inactive region within the perimeter, a second VICTS antenna positioned at the inactive region of the first antenna, a first antenna control that steers the first antenna, and a second antenna control that steers the second antenna independent of the first antenna. In some embodiment, an antenna system is provided that comprises a first turntable having a perimeter, a first antenna having a perimeter, where the first antenna is secured on a first surface of the first turntable, a second antenna positioned proximate the first antenna and extending within the perimeter of the first turntable, where the second antenna is steerable independent of the first antenna.

Abstract: Mobile antenna system comprising rotary part by azimuth, which is an electronically steered in elevation phase array antenna, comprising: plurality of (multi)layered structures, placed at certain levels, said structures include microstrip antenna elements (12), feeding lines (20), which properly combined and guide the electromagnetic energy, forming the necessary phase and amplitude distribution over the antenna elements, a plurality of electronic modules (28) providing amplification, phase change, frequency conversion and steering of the received signal, power supply and control circuits for the same electronic modules; a plurality of vertical transitions (13), providing the passing of the electromagnetic energy between the layered structures from different levels; frequency converting device and rotary joint (18), passing the received signal, the power supply and control circuits to the static part; sensors detecting the spatial movement of the system, and power supply and control units; static part, compri

Abstract: An azimuth drive for a radar array comprises at least one circular track mounted to a wheel on which the radar array is mounted. A motor is coupled to the at least one circular track and capable of moving along the track in the tangential direction, to relocate the center of mass of the wheel on which the radar array is mounted.

Abstract: A slider system have been developed to aid in the spacing between read/write heads and the storage medium, and a grating antenna amplifier has been developed to improve illumination spot size and polarization characteristics. The grating antenna can be attached to a grayscale slider to obtain a distance between the illumination spot and antenna that lies in the near field region.

Abstract: A compact fixturing means is disclosed that delivers two or more phase tracked channels of high power (e.g., 1000 Watts) to an antenna that can produce a multiplicity of polarization depending on the phase relationship of the delivered signals. Coaxial cables are used as a service loop to provide two or more channels of phase tracking and high power signals to the multi-polarized antenna. A flat spiral spring is configured within the fixture to the guide two (or more) coaxial cables along a spiral loop to allow approximately equal tension on the cables as the fixture is rotated. The flat spiral spring is operatively coupled to a rotation plate and progresses form an inner radius proximate the fixture input to an outer radius proximate the fixture output.

Abstract: An antenna system may include a base having an opening therein, and a swing arm having a concave elongate shape and opposing ends pivotally connected to the base to permit a swinging motion of the swing arm within the opening in the base. A swing arm positioner may be connected between the swing arm and the base. The antenna system may also include an antenna carriage movable along the swing arm. An antenna carriage positioner may be connected between the antenna carriage and the swing arm. A positioning controller may be connected to the swing arm positioner and the antenna carriage positioner, and an antenna may be connected to the antenna carriage.

Abstract: A method for aligning a feed horn in an antenna system (100) is disclosed. The antenna system (100) includes at least one reflector surface and one or more feed horns (141, 142, . . . 145). The method includes the steps of determining a desired reflection point of the central ray from the feedhorn of the reflector surface, configuring a laser beam source to be mounted on the feed horn to enable a laser beam to travel substantially coincidently along the axis of transmission of the feed horn in a direction towards the reflector surface, and adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the feed horn to align the laser beam with the desired reflection point on the reflector surface. A laser aligning apparatus (200) for practising the above method and an antenna system aligned by means of the laser alignment apparatus (200) and/or method are also disclosed.

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining a mechanical drive reflecting mirror antenna device which is downsized and low in attitude, enables wide-angle scanning, and is high in performance, there are provided a main reflection mirror 1, a sub-reflection mirror 2, a primary radiator 3, a first circular waveguide 4 which is connected to the primary radiator and has a plurality of bend portions, a first circular waveguide rotary joint 5 which is connected to the first circular waveguide, a second circular waveguide 7 which is connected to the first circular waveguide rotary joint and has a plurality of bend portions, and a second circular waveguide rotary joint 8 which is connected to the second circular waveguide and is different in a direction of a rotary axis from the first circular waveguide rotary joint by substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A device for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis, the device having a device roll axis and a device nod axis, wherein the device roll axis is substantially different from the platform roll axis. Also a method for aiming a directional device, such as a beam transmitter, mounted on a platform having a platform roll axis by providing a device of the present invention, aiming the directional device by changing the aim of the directional device about the device roll axis and about the device nod axis; and, if as a result the device roll axis approaches coincidence with the aimed direction, rotating the platform about the platform roll axis.

Abstract: An azimuth drive for a radar array comprises at least one circular track mounted to a wheel on which the radar array is mounted. A motor is coupled to the at least one circular track and capable of moving along the track in the tangential direction, to relocate the center of mass of the wheel on which the radar array is mounted.

Abstract: A laser pointer and an image sensor are employed as one measuring system, and two measuring systems are arranged such that a laser beam is irradiated in the opposite direction. One laser pointer and one image sensor are arranged on the measuring reference portion, and also One laser pointer and one image sensor are arranged on the measured portion. The parallel displacement &Dgr;X and the inclination &thgr; of the measured portion are calculated separately based on measured results obtained by these two measuring systems.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna device includes a scanning reflector, a fixed feeder interacting with the reflector for emitting radar radiation and a detector for detecting reflector passage of at least two different predetermined scanning positions during scanning of the reflector. The antenna device also includes a timer used to determine passage times at the time of reflector passage of the scanning positions. The scanning position of the reflector is predicted at an arbitrary time on the basis of the passage times and a predetermined scanning motion of the reflector. In another embodiment, a method for determining an accurate scanning position for the scanning reflector of the antenna device is disclosed.

Abstract: A position sensing system for a radar array includes a marker located on a portion of an array assembly. The array assembly includes a radar array that rotates about an axis normal to a radiating face of the radar array during operation. An optical sensor detects the marker to sense an angular position of the radar array.

Abstract: A laser pointer and an image sensor are employed as one measuring system, and two measuring systems are arranged such that a laser beam is irradiated in the opposite direction. One laser pointer and one image sensor are arranged on the measuring reference portion, and also One laser pointer and one image sensor are arranged on the measured portion. The parallel displacement &Dgr;X and the inclination &thgr; of the measured portion are calculated separately based on measured results obtained by these two measuring systems.

Abstract: A pod mount assembly 20 is configured in a folding quad pod design with four ground-engaging legs 22, 24, 26, 28, and a rotatable central column 30. The ground-engaging legs rotatably connect to the base of the central column 30. The central column 30 contains a telescoping central shaft 32. The central column 30 is rotatable from a horizontal position into a vertical position. The telescopic shaft 32 is extendable upward from a retracted position within the central column 30 into a extended position there above. The pod mount assembly 20 includes a hydraulic pump and cylinder to rotate the central column 30 and extend the telescopic shaft 32. The unique folding and collapsible design of the pod mount assembly 20 creates a small form factor for high mobility and ease of deployment. The pod mount assembly 20 acts as the mounting base for an antenna assembly 10.

Abstract: Portable devices and associated methods for orienting a receiver that is supported on a mast by a mounting bracket in a desired orientation. In one embodiment, the portable device includes an actuator that is removably coupled to the mounting bracket and, upon actuation thereof, rotates the mounting bracket and the receiver about the mast to the desired orientation and, upon deactivation thereof, may be decoupled from the mounting bracket while the mounting bracket retains the receiver in the desired orientation.

Abstract: At least one antenna is supported on a fixed supporting portion by an oscillating mechanism having rotational degrees of freedom on a X-Y plane, and a drive mechanism such as a drive motor is arranged in the vicinity of the oscillating center axis whereby the elevation angle and the azimuth angle of the antenna can be controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning/directing satellite antennas towards a satellite with which it is to communicate. The system and method may use characteristics of symmetry of mutually exclusive orthogonal axes. By using the symmetry of the antenna main beams, the ideal direction of the antenna can be attained and, at the same time, maximum cross-polarization may be achieved. The cross polarization may be required in order not to interfere with the orthogonal polarization. The system and method may position the Antenna on three mutually exclusive orthogonal planes, including the azimuth plane, the elevation plane, and the polarization plane. The system and method may include an indoor unit, which may include a satellite receiver, a telemetric transmission, and supply of voltage to a control system and which may control a drive motor and/or an electronic search device; and an outdoor unit, which may include a supervisory unit, a motor, and a control unit.

Abstract: An AC power source applies power to a primary coil that is provided in a fixed part. An AC current flowing through the primary coil induces electromotive force in a secondary coil that is provided in a movable part. The AC electromotive force induced in the secondary coil is converted by an AC/DC converter into DC power, which is input to a drive control section.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide quick and accurate automated measurement of electromagnetic radiation from a device. A rotary drive rotates an electronic equipment unit and rotation of the equipment is periodically stopped during which time a reception element is traversed across a range of motion that is parallel to an axis of rotation of the electronic equipment. The electromagnetic radiation is evaluated over the range of motion for the reception element at each of a plurality of fixed rotational locations for the electronic equipment.

Abstract: The installation comprises a part (1) rotating about a fixed part (2) and provided with measurement instruments (3) with antennas (5) aimed radially towards a fixed antenna (6). This antenna comprises two pairs of arms (9, 10, 14, 15) in two concentric circles, and the spaces (13, 18) between the free ends of the pairs of arms are located at different angular positions so that signals emitted by the antennas (5) always arrive at one of the pairs of arms and supply a clear and distinct signal.

Abstract: An antenna control system enabling the remote variation of antenna beam tilt. A drive means continuously adjusts phase shifters of a feed distribution network to radiating elements to continuously vary antenna beam tilt. A controller enables the beam tilt of a number of antenna at a site to be remotely varied.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator system has a motor with a drive or screw shaft. The motor drives a sliding element propelled by the screw shaft. The control circuit may include steering diodes to minimize wires where there is sensing or more than one actuator. A remote controller may direct motor movement of individual actuators without a local controller. The remote actuator may be used to sense remote position through the steering diodes. There is a bipolar and bi-level drive circuit providing the step voltage to achieve high performance motor movement. The guideway may have an internal keyway along with an anti-rotation sliding bearing protected against rotation by the keyway. This anti-rotation sliding bearing restricts the piston to linear travel along the driving motor lead screw thread. The position sensor may include a resistive element sliding contact mounted to the sliding piston. A special coaxial mechanical coupling method simplifies installation.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning/directing satellite antennas towards a satellite with which it is to communicate. The system and method may use characteristics of symmetry of mutually exclusive orthogonal axes. By using the symmetry of the antenna main beams, the ideal direction of the antenna can be attained and, at the same time, maximum cross-polarization may be achieved. The cross polarization may be required in order not to interfere with the orthogonal polarization. The system and method may position the Antenna on three mutually exclusive orthogonal planes, including the azimuth plane, the elevation plane, and the polarization plane. The system and method may include an indoor unit, which may include a satellite receiver, a telemetric transmission, and supply of voltage to a control system and which may control a drive motor and/or an electronic search device; and an outdoor unit, which may include a supervisory unit, a motor, and a control unit.

Abstract: A coupling device includes first and second relatively rotating members mounted about a common axis and first and second lines fixed between the first and second members. The first line is adapted to wrap around the first member in a first direction and around the second member in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the second line is adapted to wrap around the first member in the second direction and around the second member in the first direction. A guide is revolvably mounted to the first and second members for translating the first and second lines between the first member and the second member as the first and second members rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: An antenna control system enabling the remote variation of antenna beam tilt. A drive means (5, 30) continuously adjusts phase shifters (1, 2, 3; 36, 39, 40) feed distribution network to radiating elements to continuously vary antenna beam tilt. A controller (80) enables the beam tilt of a number of antenna at a site to be remotely varied.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus is provided with two parabolic antennas which are attached to an X-axis and adapted to independently rotate about the X-axis. The X-axis is supported between both ends of a support rail in the shape of a semicircular arc to pass through the center of the arc. The support rail is adapted to slide and is thereby permitted to rotate about the central axis of the arc as a Y-axis. The support rail is placed on a rotating base 13 adapted to rotate about a Z-axis. The entire apparatus is covered with a radome. Each of the parabolic antennas is therefore permitted to rotate about each of the X, Y and Z-axes. By controlling each axis driving mechanism according to the locations and orbits of two satellites, each of the parabolic antennas is permitted to track a respective one of the satellites.

Abstract: A rotation apparatus for a dish antenna provides a system for easily adjusting the dish antenna to a precise receiving position. The rotation apparatus includes a dish bracket which is fixed to the back of the dish antenna. The dish bracket includes a plurality of circular grooves and a concentric axle center. An elevation bracket includes a pair of wings and a bottom. The wings are parallel, and the bottom is perpendicular to the wings. Each wing pivots about an axle which passes through a first portion of each wing. A second portion of each wing includes a guide groove to adjust a elevation angle of the dish. The bottom includes a central axle hole and a plurality of holes. The central axle hole is coupled to the concentric axle center. After the dish is rotated to a selected position, the plurality of holes are secured to the circular grooves using a plurality of screws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for mounting a satellite antenna in a manner to facilitate adjustment of the elevation angle without the use of tools or the need of significant artificial light. The system includes a movable bracket pivotably mounted to a fixed bracket. The satellite antenna is mounted to the movable bracket. A manually operable connector is connected to the movable bracket and the fixed bracket to permit manual adjustment of the elevation angle.

Abstract: At least one antenna is supported on a fixed supporting portion by an oscillating mechanism having rotational degrees of freedom on a X-Y plane, and a drive mechanism such as a drive motor is arranged in the vicinity of the oscillating center axis whereby the elevation angle and the azimuth angle of the antenna can be controlled.

Abstract: An antenna (30) includes a gimbal structure (32) having a base (46) and first and second pivoting devices (52, 54) defining a first rotational axis (40). A reflector (36) is mounted to the pivoting devices for rotating about the first axis. Signals are routed from the base to a connector (68) mounted to the reflector with a cable (10) which is coiled around a second rotational axis (50) of the antenna.