Abstract: A multi-axis antenna pedestal with two controlled axes configured with elevation over azimuth on a gravity and gyro stabilized platform. The assembly is suspended with right-angled pivotal axes in substantially the same horizontal plane, and structure pivoted about the upper two controlled axes is statically balanced and the center of gravity of the entire pivotally mounted assembly is on the vertical axis and below the gimbal plane. The platform structure includes at least one gyro motor and rotor system pivotally mounted in the platform structure on an axis parallel to one of the right angled pivotal axes of the platform pivotal mounting. The center of gravity of the one gyro motor and rotor system is below its pivotal mounting in the platform structure, and when two such gyro motor and rotor systems are employed the pivotal mounting axes of each parallels an individual axis of the platform pivotal mounting.

Abstract: A satellite tracking antenna structure is disclosed which is adapted to be mounted at the head of the mast of a ship. The antenna itself, is provided with a reflector which forms one side of a box structure, which is open on the side thereof opposite to the reflector and has a rigidifying structure including an arched beam mounted in the box between the reflector and the open side of the box opposite to the reflector. Located within the box structure is a pedestal extending upwardly from the mast. A stable platform arrangement is mounted on the pedestal and the box structure is pivotly mounted on the stable platform arrangement so as to enable the antenna to be rotated in azimuth and in elevation in the direction of a satellite with which communication is desired.

Abstract: An improved planar (flat plate) array antenna system and method of fabrication is disclosed. A planar array antenna or array is mounted in a support for stabilization against roll and pitch movements with a rotary joint providing uninterrupted radar operation. The array is scanned in azimuth up to 120 rpm with elevation or tilt control. The support arrangement is a four gimbal arrangement providing for a high r-f gain to swept volume ratio for a forward looking radar with fast azimuth scan. The array comprises a front plate and a back plate attached to spaced flanged beams and end shorts for forming a plurality of RF energy cavities. The front plate has radiation output ports (shunt slots) covered with a Kapton layer for closing the array cavities against moisture and to permit pressurization to prevent arcing. The back plate has power divider slots (series slots) over which a manifold is disposed for distributing RF energy into the array.

Abstract: A first column is secured to and extends vertically upward from a base. The first column has a first socket on the end thereof remote from the base. An intermediate member having first and second balls extending therefrom in opposite directions along a common axis is disposed to have the first ball rotatably engage the first socket. A second column having a second socket on one end thereof is disposed so that the second ball rotatably engages the second socket. An antenna structure is secured to the other end of the second column. A drive arrangement including a plurality of perforated tapes coupled in a predetermined manner to the intermediate member, the base, the first and second columns and the antenna structure provides the complete hemispherical coverage by the antenna structure.

Abstract: A low drag gyro stabilized radome for an aircraft. The radome is pivoted roll and pitch by a universal joint between the radome and a pylon rigidly attached to the aircraft thereby enabling the radome, under gyro control, to remain horizontal to the ground during varying flight attitudes. An enclosed antenna is driven independently of the radome for tilt and sweep motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and entertaining passengers comprise an aircraft, a rotary supporting structure, equipment connected to the aircraft and to the rotary supporting structure for mounting the rotary supporting structure in the aircraft, a set of antenna elements constituting a directional television antenna on the rotary supporting structure for receiving transmitted television signals, equipment for selectively changing the orientation of the directional television antenna, including equipment coupled to the supporting structure for selectively rotating the supporting structure, and equipment connected to the directional television antenna for processing and displaying the received television signals inside the aircraft.In an aircraft, there is provided a structural member on the outside of the aircraft of a material permeable to transmitted television signals. A container of electrically insulating material is located inside the aircraft and adjacent the permeable structural member.

Abstract: This relates to stabilized platforms for directive ship mounted antennas for satellite communication. The invention further relates to platforms comprising an antenna dish with elevation and azimuth control means, as well as counterweight means, being supported in a universal joint bearing. The main feature of the invention is that the platform includes a small mass system which is mechanically coupled to the platform in a damped manner, thereby stabilizing or damping the movements of the antenna caused by movements (roll/pitch) of the ship.

Abstract: An improved directional antenna for use in an airborne vehicle is shown. The contemplated antenna includes a planar phased array of antenna elements mechanically rotatable about an axis of rotation, the plane of such array making an acute angle with such axis. The beam from such array may be electronically scanned, within wide limits, regardless of the orientation of the phased array. Also shown is an improved constrained centerfeed for the antenna elements in each row thereof in such array, the disclosed feed incorporating a double ladder arrangement, including wideband couplers, to permit the extensive use of stripline and at the same time to allow practically independent adjustment of azimuth and elevation difference patterns when the phased array is used as an element in a monopulse system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the steering of telecommunication antennae, and particularly to the mountings therefor. These mountings are used for supporting an antenna to allow communications to be established with a geostationary satellite i.e., one which is stationary in relation to the earth. The invention provides that the structure associated with the antenna be mounted at three points on the steering mounting, and the latter rests on the ground. That one of these points which is situated at the apex of said structure is provided with a bi-directional joint which allows the antenna to pivot about an axis XX in azimuth and an axis YY in elevation: these axes lying orthogonally to one another in a plane perpendicular to the axis ZZ of the antenna. The bi-directional joint aforementioned is mounted to pivot on the base mounting about the axis ZZ of the antenna itself.

Abstract: Rotation of a search radar antenna primary focusing structure about both elevation and optical axes provides stabilization of the radiated beam in both level and cross-level respectively.