Abstract: A system and method for positioning an electronically scanned, phased array antenna disposed on a moving platform, such as an aircraft, to enable the antenna to remain pointed at, and track, a geostationary satellite as the moving platform is in motion. The antenna is mounted on a support which is coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The motor is used to rotate the support, and therefore the antenna, as needed to maintain the beam of the antenna directed at the satellite. The support is rotated only after a scan angle of the beam of the antenna exceeds a predetermined maximum scan angle. The degree of rotational movement of the support is further selected to be such that only a minimum number of adjustments to the position of the support are needed to maintain the scan angle of the beam of the antenna within the desired maximum scan angle over a large distance of travel of the aircraft.

Abstract: A steerable antenna comprises a steerable main reflector and a stationary feed assembly and subreflector assembly configured in a side-fed configuration where the feed assembly is to a side of both the main reflector and the subreflector. The main reflector, subreflector and feed assembly together produce an antenna beam which is directed in a preselected direction by the main reflector. A gimbal is coupled to the main reflector for positioning the main reflector and scanning the antenna beam over a preselected coverage area while the feed assembly and subreflector remain substantially stationary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gimbaled antenna system mounting system for maintaining an electromagnetic signal reception means, of an antenna system present in a remote unit in a global positioning system (GPS) based system for continuous electronic monitoring and tracking of monitored individual(s) from a central control station (CCS), in an essentially constant desired orientation with respect to an earth orbiting satellite source of electromagnetic signals, when, in use, change occurs in the orientation of a structural frame element of the remote unit to which the antenna system is, via the gimbaled antenna system mounting system, mounted.

Abstract: An antenna having multi-directional elements includes a conductive trace in the form of a spiral pattern extending across multiple planes angularly disposed with respect to each other.

Abstract: An antenna pointing system automatically aligns an antenna with a geo-synchronous satellite using a Ku band signal, which has a relatively broad bandwidth, with sufficient accuracy for Ka band signal transmission, which has a relatively narrow bandwidth. Initially, the antenna is pointed at the selected satellite so as to receive the Ku band signal. The system obtains a series of signal strength readings over a predetermined azimuth (or elevation) region, such as plus/minus two degrees, from which a new peak location is selected. Signal strength data is then obtained over a predetermined elevation (or azimuth) region. Another signal peak location is selected based on the elevation data. Azimuth and elevation data are alternately collected for refining the peak of the Ku signal so as to optimize Ka signal transmission capability.

Abstract: When communication is performed simultaneously with two moving bodies such as a satellite, an antenna construction in which a plurality of antennas do not become an obstacle to each other's communication and the direction (the azimuth angle and the elevation angle) adjusting mechanism thereof can be realized with a simple construction. The two antennas have another movable portion (a rotation mechanism with respect to the axis) independently, while sharing the direction adjusting mechanism for the azimuth angle and the elevation angle. The rotation axis of the rotation mechanism of each antenna faces the same direction on the same plane, and each rotation mechanism is separately arranged in an area defined by a plane obtained by extending the axis of the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism toward the axial direction of the elevation angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An antenna system of the invention includes a plurality of antenna devices respectively configured to send or receive a plurality of radio beams, a plurality of electric feeding units respectively holding the plurality of antenna devices and a spherical lens having a center and causing the plurality of radio beam to converge into the plurality of antenna devices respectively. A holding rail holds the plurality of electric feeding units in such a manner that the plurality of antenna devices are movable along a substantially constant distance from the center of the spherical lens. According to the antenna system, the plurality of electric feeding units can be arranged for one spherical lens to follow the plurality of satellites. Thus, the antenna system can be arranged in a smaller space.

Abstract: Low-protrusion array antennas enable reception of satellite signals by airliners in flight. Prior systems using a beam normal to an array face required a 70° array tilt for reception from a satellite at 20° elevation (i.e., tilt angle is complementary angle (90°−&bgr;) of satellite angle (&bgr;) of elevation). Compared to that 70° array tilt for reception from a satellite at 20° elevation, disclosed antennas require an array tilt of only 25° (90°−&bgr;−&agr;=25°). This is accomplished by providing a beam at a fixed acute angle (&agr;) to the array face (e.g. 45 degrees). A side-by-side linear array 16 of slotted waveguide radiator columns 18 provides a pencil beam at a fixed acute angle of 45° to array aperture, for example. By action of tilting motor 42 to mechanically tilt the array of slotted waveguides over a range of ±25° from horizontal, the beam can be scanned from 20° elevation to 70° elevation.

Abstract: Two antenna units (11) and (12) are located on a pedestal device (13) provided rotatably around an azimuth angular axis thereof, and a rotating mechanism for rotating in an azimuth angular direction and an elevation angular direction respectively is provided in each of the antenna units (11, 12). The antenna units (11) and (12) execute, for the purpose of communicating with the orbital satellites (81) and (82) respectively, satellites tracking by adjusting its own azimuth angle and elevation angle while moving in association with rotation of the rotating mechanism (14) of the pedestal device (13).

Abstract: Identification tags (22) are secured to objects (20) moving upon a transport band (16). The identification tags (22) each contain a transponder circuit (32) in electrical communication with transponder antennae (30, 31). The transponder circuit (32) contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the object (20). When the identification tag (22) is located beneath the object (20), at least one reader antenna (25) is positioned beneath the transport band (16) and in alignment with a selected aperture (34) extending through a support plate (12). One or more apertures (34) in alignment with the reader antenna (25) provide capacitive coupling between the transponder antennae (30, 31) and the reader antenna (25). The reader circuit (28) generates a signal in the presence of an identification tag (22), which is transmitted to the transponder antenna (30) located on the identification tag (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for linkage adjustment. In an embodiment, the adjustable linkage includes a first component, a second component and locking device. The first component has a plurality of spaced slots and a connector for connecting to an object. The second component also has a plurality of spaced slots and a connector for connecting to a second object. The locking device holds the first component and the second component in a fixed relative position. The components are positioned so a first slot from the first component overlaps with a first slot from the second component. A lever may be inserted through the first slot of the first component and into the first slot of the second component to apply a prying force. The prying force relatively repositions the components such that a second slot from the first component is brought into overlapping relationship with a second slot from the second component.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antenna system including at least two antennas (10, 11), each of said antennas (10, 11) being capable of pointing independently of the other(s) in any direction within a solid angle. According to the invention, the antennas (10, 11) are mounted on a common support (17) co-operating with rotation means (18) for rotating the common support (17), the rotation means (18) being activated to prevent masking of one of the antennas (10, 11) by another of the antennas (10, 11). The invention applies in particular to tracking non-geostationary satellites.

Abstract: A biaxially rotational structure for a planar antenna comprises a biaxial base having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, a vertical shaft assembly disposed at the vertical direction of the biaxial base, the vertical shaft assembly has a rotation limiting member; a support frame pivotally mounted on the vertical shaft assembly, the support frame having a stopper extending downwardly in a manner that the rotation limiting member limits the stopper to rotate within one turn with respect to the vertical shaft assembly; a first resilient member disposed between the vertical shaft assembly and the support frame for exerting a pressing force on the support frame; a horizontal shaft assembly disposed at the horizontal direction; and a second resilient member disposed between the horizontal shaft assembly and the biaxial base for exerting a friction force therebetween.

Abstract: A positioner (or gimbal assembly) for a compact antenna assembly is disclosed. The positioner provides accurate pointing of the antenna assembly (typically a narrow beam radio frequency (RF) radiating assembly) mounted on a rapidly moving platform. The positioner is comprised of a first, second, and third axis assemblies which support the antenna assembly and allow rotation of the antenna assembly about first, second, and third axis. The axis assemblies are arranged so the first, second and third axis are non-orthogonal and intersect at the approximate geometric center of the antenna assembly allowing continuous and independent rotation of the antenna assembly about each axis within a confined volume.

Abstract: Variable beamwidth antenna systems for use on spacecraft that is capable of changing their beamwidths while the spacecraft in on orbit. The variable beamwidth antenna systems include a main reflector, a subreflector, a feed horn, a main reflector displacement mechanism and a feed horn (or subreflector) displacement mechanism. For broaden the beamwidth, the RF feed horn and the subreflector are moved close together by proper distance. The main reflector is moved away from the subreflector along a line through centers of their respective surface by a distance given by a predetermined equation.

Abstract: A two-axis measurement system for use with an article under test (AUT) is provided with a thermal control system to maintain the measurement system at a stable temperature. The thermal control system may be use a temperature-controlled fluid, such as liquid or gas, conducted through the measurement system. The measurement system further comprises a field probing sensor that is adapted to be positioned at a plurality of points spaced from the AUT to perform a measurement of the AUT. The probing sensor is manipulated by at least a first member extending in a first axial direction and a second member extending in a second axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction. A near-field measurement of the AUT is performed by moving the field probing sensor in a pattern in front of the AUT to sample the RF energy of the AUT at a plurality of points. Internal passageways provided through the first and second members permit communication of the temperature-controlled fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An antenna positioner control system and related method is disclosed. The antenna positioner control system includes a housing and a hub mounted within a housing. A support plate is rotatably mounted on the hub. An antenna is pivotally mounted on the support plate. At least one elevation drive servomotor is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the antenna for pivoting the antenna a predetermined angle and adjusting elevation of the antenna. At least one azimuth drive servomotor is mounted on the support plate and interconnects the antenna for rotating the support plate relative to the hub a predetermined arcuate distance for adjusting azimuth of the antenna. An antenna control unit is operatively connected to the elevation drive servomotor and azimuth drive servomotor and includes an elevation control circuit and azimuth control circuit.

Abstract: A probe movement apparatus for spherical near-field antenna testing moves a probe (22) over a spherical measurement surface or path by two bent cantilevered arms (14 and 18). A positioner (12 or 16) rotates each arm (14 and 18). An elevation positioner (16) is mounted on the tip of an azimuth arm (12) The azimuth positioner (12) is mounted on a base (10). The rotation axes of the two positioners (12 and 16) intersect and are orthogonal. The axes intersection point defines the center of the measurement sphere. The antenna (32) is mounted within the measurement sphere on an anti-spin bearing (26) on the azimuth arm (14) centered above the azimuth positioner (12). A shaft (28) connects to the anti-spin bearing, extends down though the azimuth arm (14) and positioner (12) and connects to an anti-spin positioner (30). The anti-spin positioner (30) attaches to the base (10) and holds the antenna (32) stationary.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement comprising an antenna reflector (10) and a transceiver horn (11) combined to form a compact unit (10-11) includes a dynamic vibration-dampened suspension device (16), first (12) and second (15) rotation frames, and first (13) and second (15) elevation frames. The frames are rotatably mounted at the periphery of respective suspension device or frame, with the first rotation frame (12) mounted on the periphery of the suspension device and with the second rotation frame (15) mounted on the periphery of the second elevation frame (14) and functioning as an attachment for the compact antenna unit (10-11). The requisite bearing points are hereby moved to the periphery of the antenna arrangement and space is made available for accommodating the compact antenna unit (10-11) in the center of the suspension device.

Abstract: A device for positioning an antenna on a vehicle. The device includes a first motor-driven timing belt connected to opposite sides of the antenna frame for rotating the antenna about its elevational axis. A constant force spring or a cam compensates for changes in belt path geometry as the antenna rotates. A second motor-driven timing belt is wrapped around a perimeter of a base plate for rotating the antenna about its azimuth axis. Electrical signals for the antenna and the drive motors are multiplexed and passed through a single coaxial cable in a rotary joint along the axis of azimuth rotation.

Abstract: An antenna positioner is provided for use in an anechoic chamber to enable the radiation pattern of an antenna under test to be measured. A vertically disposed and selectively rotatable azimuth rotator pedestal is positioned in the anechoic chamber and a support is mounted on the pedestal for rotation therewith. A roll-axis shaft is mounted on the support for rotatably supporting the antenna under test. The roll-axis shaft rotator is positioned outside the anechoic chamber and has a horizontally disposed and horizontally movable connecting rod which is selectively movable into the chamber for connection to the roll-axis shaft to incrementally rotate the roll-axis shaft and the antenna under test.

Abstract: A drive module comprising an elbow formed of composite material and having two generally tubular legs having a large bore. On one leg, elbow supports an azimuth drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and have a large bore. On the other leg, elbow supports an elevation drive module also formed in a generally tubular configuration and having a large bore. The respective modules are operatively connected to an outside diameter of the respective legs. Azimuth drive module and elevation drive module include motors which when energized enable displacement of the respective legs in order to control the azimuth and elevation of elbow to enable pointing of a structure, such as an antenna as may be located on a second elbow.

Abstract: Identification tags are secured to parcels moving upon a conveyor belt. The identification tags each contain a transponder circuit in electrical communication with a transponder antenna. The transponder circuit contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the parcel. When the identification tag is located beneath a parcel, at least one reader circuit is positioned beneath the conveyor belt in alignment with a selected aperture extending through the. One or more apertures in alignment with the reader antenna provide electrical communication with the reader antenna. The reader circuit generates a signal in the presence of an identification tag, which is transmitted to the transponder antenna located on the identification tag. The signal energizes the transponder circuit in the identification tag, which sends a unique digital code via the transponder antenna back to the reader antenna.

Abstract: An improved very small antenna terminal (VSAT) dual-beam antenna system for use with user subscriber terminals that communicate with low-earth orbiting and other satellites. In one embodiment, the dual-beam antenna system has two offset Gregorian dual-reflector antennas that each has an ellipsoidal subreflector and a rotatable paraboloidal reflector having a focus in common with a focus of the ellipsoidal subreflector. The rotatable paraboloidal reflector couples energy to and from the ellipsoidal subreflector. An RF feed system couples RF energy to and from the ellipsoidal subreflector. Rotating apparatus rotates the paraboloidal reflector and ellipsoidal subreflector together around an azimuth axis of the antenna. The rotating apparatus independently and simultaneously rotates the paraboloidal reflector about an axis between the paraboloidal reflector and ellipsoidal subreflector which points the antenna at an orbiting satellite.

Abstract: A directional beam antenna device includes: an antenna supporting member which is supported on a base in such a manner as to be rotatable about a first rotational axis; an antenna portion which is supported on the antenna supporting member in such a manner as to be rotatable about a second rotational axis which is perpendicular to an antenna aperture and is inclined at a first angle with respect to the first rotational axis, the direction of an antenna beam being inclined at a second angle with respect to the second rotational axis; a first driving unit for rotating the antenna supporting member about the first rotational axis with respect to the base; and a second driving unit for rotating the antenna portion about the second rotational axis with respect to the antenna supporting member.

Abstract: A stabilizer platform mounted to a vessel for positioning a satellite dish antenna in the azimuth and elevation directions. An azimuth motor and an elevation motor are mounted in a formed hollow interior of a housing. Azimuth motor control cables and elevation motor control cables are connected to the motors to carry signals and power for controlling the operation of the motors. On top of housing is mounted a platform which rotates in the azimuth direction with respect to the housing. The azimuth motor is coupled to the platform through a gear arrangement and rotates the platform. On top of the platform is mounted an elevation drive which holds the satellite dish antenna. Mounted in the platform is an elevation gear cluster which rotates with respect to the platform. The elevation gear cluster is coupled to the elevation drive. The elevation motor drives the elevation gear cluster so that the elevation motor can move the satellite dish antenna in the elevation direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for expediently determining the azimuthal orientation of a total station. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a total station having a vertical axis. The total station also includes a rotational alidade portion adapted to rotate about the vertical axis, and an electronic distance measuring portion. The present invention also includes a satellite-based position determining system antenna coupled to the total station. In the present invention, the satellite-based position determining system antenna is offset from the vertical axis. That is, in the present invention, the satellite-based position determining system antenna is not disposed coincident with the vertical axis of the total station.

Abstract: An antenna driving apparatus includes an antenna driving gear (3) which has a tooth portion (3a) on part of its periphery and is rotated by rotation of a driving force transmitting gear (2) which is engaged with the tooth portion (3a) of the antenna driving gear (3). A gear cover (12) which has a plurality of cover elements (12a) and is pivotally supported on the tooth portion (3a) of the antenna driving gear (3) at each of both ends tracks around an opposite side of the driving force transmitting gear (2) and back to the antenna driving gear to cover the tooth portion (3a) and the driving force transmitting gear (2). Each of the cover element (12a) is designed to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section to form a space to which the tooth portion (3a) faces. Adjacent ones of the cover elements are swingably linked to each other.

Abstract: A two-axis satellite antenna mounting and tracking assembly including a universal joint for mounting the antenna to support structure. A pair of linear actuators offset at 90.degree. to each other about the universal joint are operated in full-on/full-off fashion to control the azimuth and elevation orientations of the antenna. Satellite tracking is effected by maximizing received signal strength.

Abstract: Antenna mounts to enable a conventional antenna to be securely attached to a motor vehicle, such as a standard pick-up truck, and electrically connected to a radio that is carried by the truck. To increase the strength of the antenna mounts and thereby reduce the possibility that the antenna will snap off when subjected to high winds and other loads, the mounts are located through an existing hole that is established in a wall which surrounds the bed of many pick-up trucks. In one case, where the antenna mount is substantially recessed within a cavity below the existing hole in the wall, a fastener secures the antenna mount to the bottom of the cavity. In another case, where the antenna mount is partially recessed within the cavity, a pair of L-shaped clips are attached between opposite sides of the antenna mount and the top of the wall.

Abstract: The highly-stiffened, dual-axle antenna tracking pedestal improves tracking performance, reduces manufacturing and installation costs and increases safety during field assembly, maintenance and operation of the pedestal. The reinforced concrete counterweights affect the natural frequency of the pedestal system and reduce vibrational effects from wind loads during antenna slew. Reduction of the number of structural components and pouring concrete counterweights at the job site simplifies fabrication, as well as reducing shipping and handling costs. The use of a dual-axle mount provides antenna slewing without problems associated with conventional azimuth-elevation pedestal systems. The pedestal mount has a structure and drive system that is simple and inexpensive. The drive system has two orthogonal rotational axes, one oriented east-west and the other north-south. The two rotational degree-of-freedom arrangement allows smooth tracking over the entire sky.

Abstract: An antenna support fabric including an arm (10), a support table (20), a fixing plate (60) which is rotatably secured to the support table (20), a reflection mirror (50) which is detachably fixed to one surface of the fixing plate (60), a primary radiator (40) which is detachably fixed to one surface of the fixing plate (60) through a through hole (51) provided to the reflection mirror (50), and a transceiver (30) which is detachably fixed to the other surface of the fixing plate (60), and engaged with and connected to a projecting portion (41) of the primary radiator (40) through a through hole (62) of the fixing plate (60).

Abstract: A bracket assembly for fixedly mounting an RF antenna to a support structure while permitting azimuth adjustment comprising a first bracket member adapted for fixed securance to the support structure and having a forwardly extending plate defining a first bolt hole and a spaced away arcuate slot defined by a radius of curvature about the center of the first bolt hole. A second bracket member mounted to the first bracket member and adapted for mounting an antenna, the second bracket member providing second and third bolt holes; whereby when the first and second fasteners are loose, the second bolt may move along the length of the arcuate slot to adjust the angular relationship of the bracket members and when the fasteners are tightened, the angular relationship of the bracket members is fixed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal imagining are described. An apparatus includes a rotatable radial scanning antenna. The systems and methods provide advantages in that fires can be detected, and their positions determined, over substantial distances and through obscurants such as smoke and/or rain.

Abstract: A low profile antenna positioning system is disclosed which has a carriage, an antenna, a first member pivotally secured to the antenna and slidably secured to the carriage and a second member pivotally secured to the antenna and pivotally secured to the carriage. The antenna is movable through a wide range of elevation angles and maintains a relatively low profile as it moves back and forth between an elevation angle of from approximately 15.degree. to approximately 69.degree.. In that regard, an upper portion of the antenna moves downwardly and rearwardly in a linear path and a lower portion of the antenna moves upwardly in an arcuate path as the elevation angle increases. Similarly, the upper portion of the antenna moves upwardly and forwardly in a linear path and the lower portion of the antenna moves downwardly in an arcuate path as the elevation angle decreases. The carriage may be pivotally secured to a base for movement about an azimuth axis.

Abstract: A collapsible dish antenna mount (1) for a vehicle roof, has a mast (11) received in said roof and extending into the vehicle. The dish antenna (3) is secured to said mast (11) by a mechanical linkage operable from within said vehicle such that the dish antenna (3), when raised, may be adjusted in both azimuth and elevation. When not in use, the antenna mount (1) can be folded to reduce windage.

Abstract: An RFID antenna system is described comprising an elongated antenna disposed proximate an interrogation path for interrogating transponders moving along the interrogation path. The antenna is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna is substantially perpendicular to said interrogation path. The antenna provides an active RF interrogation zone that intersects at least 40% of the horizontal longitudinal plane of the interrogation path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna module for installation on a wireless telecommunications tower at a transceiver site. The antenna module comprises a frame adapted to be installed on the upper end of the tower, containing a means for mounting, and adjusting the alignment of, one or more panel antennas for optimal signal transmission and reception. A radio frequency energy transparent cover surrounds the antenna module, extending height-wise of the frame, enclosing it, the mounting means, and the panel antennas mounted thereon, thereby reducing wind loading on the antenna module.

Abstract: The disclosed mount comprises a first dihedral (ABC, BCD) of which one of the planes (ABC) is borne on a support base; means (6) for adjusting the angle (.alpha.) of said first dihedral; a second dihedral (BCD, BDE) of which one of the planes (BCD) is common to the first dihedral and the other plane (BDE) carries means (8) for supporting the antenna, the axis (BC) of the first dihedral and the axis (BD) of the second dihedral being neither parallel nor merged; and means (7) for adjusting the angle (.beta.) of said second dihedral.

Abstract: A velocity detecting radar unit that is easy to operate and to view so as to minimize distraction to the operator, particularly when in use in a moving vehicles includes a spotlight unit having a housing with a lens, a light source within the housing and a control wand pivotally mounting the housing for rotation about an axis and including an elongated tube adapted to extend through the windshield pillar of a vehicle. A radar antenna is mounted in the housing to be movable therewith and has a radar transmitting and receiving end extending from the housing oppositely of the spotlight lens. A display module is adapted to display velocity data and other information and is adjustable mounted to the tube at a location thereon remote from the spotlight housing. Similarly, an input or control module including function switches for providing function commands to a controller for the unit is provided and is adjustable mounted to the tube at a location thereon remote from the housing.

Abstract: A GPS antenna comprises an antenna body that can rotate between horizontal and vertical positions between the handle horns on the top of an optical total station. A GPS receiver embodiment comprises an integrated body and antenna that can similarly be rotated between horizontal and vertical positions between the handle horns on the top of an optical total station to avoid interference with the total station optics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microwave antenna regulating device for an automatic door, in which an antenna of a microwave radar automatic door sensor is mounted on a rotating disk of a regulating device which can adjust the detecting direction on a base in leftward and rightward directions. The rotating disk is provided with holding means for further adjusting the detecting direction of the antenna in backward and forward directions. Therefore, the regulating device can adjust the microwave antenna in backward-forward and leftward-rightward directions whereby when the microwave radar sensor is used in the actuating switch of an automatic door, the detecting range can be arbitrarily adjusted by adjusting the direction of the antenna according to the environmental condition to make the opening or closing of the automatic door more active and optimize the function of the automatic door.

Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a tripod with a tribrach that receives both a theodolite and a C-bracket that half vertically encircles the theodolite. The C-bracket and the theodolite are each independently pivotable on the same vertical axis and the C-bracket is able to completely orbit around the theodolite such that it can be positioned so as not to optically interfere with the use of the theodolite. The top of the C-bracket provides a mount for a navigation satellite receiver antenna that positions the axis of rotation of the C-bracket through the electrical center of the antenna.

Abstract: A tracking antenna for non-geostationary satellites is mounted on a three-axis positioner comprising an azimuth axis, an elevation axis mounted perpendicularly on the azimuth axis and a pseudo-azimuth axis mounted perpendicularly on the elevation axis and supporting the antenna. The positions of the axes are controlled by a pointing unit. The method of pointing the antenna carries out the following steps simultaneously when the position of the satellite is such that the elevation axis exceeds a predetermined elevation value: modifying the position of the azimuth axis at constant speed and modifying the position of the elevation axis and the pseudo-azimuth axis to track the satellite.

Abstract: The multi-beam lens antenna contains a spherical centro-symmetric lens (1), fixed by means of joints (3) fastening it to a frame (2) in the form of an ellipse, so that the center of the lens (1) lies outside the plane of the frame (2). The frame (2) is installed on the base (4) and able to turn relative to the horizontal plane. The antenna also contains illuminators (8), positioned on the semi-circle guide (9), connected to the frame (2) by means of fastening joints (11). The joints (3, 11) fastening the lens (1) and the semi-circle guide (9) to the frame are constructed as self-positioning in their angle placement and adjustable with the possibility of moving along their axes.

Abstract: A small aperture satellite ground station communications antenna is disclosed. A rectangular section of a curved parabolic reflector is provided having first and second rectangular dimensions. An azimuth elevation pedestal for positioning the reflector is provided such that the antenna bore sight is aligned with a geostationary satellite. The reflector is supported by the pedestal to permit rotation of the reflector about a third polarization axis for the antenna. The rotation along the polarization axis permits the reflector to be optimally positioned such that its long dimension is aligned with an orbital arc of a geostationary satellite. Angle scales are provided on all three axes to facilitate repositioning to other satellites based on an initial satellite location, which serves as a reference for the scales.

Abstract: A base support for a moveable antenna. The base support is attached to an upstanding mounting member and the antenna is attached to a support structure connected to a base member. The support structure is operatively connected to a worm gear assembly which includes a motor driven worm and worm gear disposed between the base member and support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a predetermined axis. The motor driven worm is supported at an outboard end by a first bearing assembly and supported at its opposite end by a pair of spaced apart bearing assemblies to prevent backlash between the motor driven worm and worm gear. A second worm gear assembly including a similarly supported motor driven worn and worm gear can be interposed transversely between the first support structure and a second support structure to effect movement of the antenna about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A compact, mechanically-steered antenna especially applicable for mobile terminals for receiving signals broadcast by satellites, is adjustable in azimuth and elevation. The antenna's active element can be rotated in azimuth through 360 degrees. Rotary couplings in the signal path are avoided by means of a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling conveniently comprises a torsion spring and the feedline, typically a highly-flexible coaxial cable, passes through it. The active element is mounted upon a first support member and rotatable relative to it about the boresight of the antenna. A second support member is mounted upon a base member and rotatable relative to it in azimuth. The first second support is mounted upon the second support by means of a hinge coupling which permits pivoting of one support member relative to the other to adjust the elevation angle.

Abstract: A tracking array antenna system is provided. When a signal from the target is received normally, control mode of an AZ axis and an electronic XEL axis is changed over according to whether or not a moving platform is inclined about the XEL axis for detecting inclination of the moving platform. When the moving platform is not inclined, beam-switch (BSW) about the electronic XEL axis is performed, and the beam-switch tracking (BST) about the AZ axis using the result with an angular rate feedback (ARFB) is performed. When the moving platform is inclined, zero rate control (ZRC) about the AZ axis and BST about the electronic XEL axis are performed. In this way, tracking and stabilization are performed without not only the gimbal-lock but also the use of a gyrocompass.